Mas is the new leader after Pogacar left the race and Coquard won the stage
Tadej Pogacar (to this day the great leader and favorite to win) has had to leave the race after a hard fall 32 kilometers from the finish line, and Enric Mas has taken the lead. In a chaotic ending, Bryan Coquard has won the stage by beating Mads Peders and Jordi Meeus in the sprint.
Coquard took over the sprint.
The 8th stage of the Return to Spain 2026, played this Saturday between Puçol and Xeraco, has brought about a historic change in the race, with Tadej Pogacar having to leave the race.
The Slovenian cyclist of the UAE Team Emirates has suffered a severe fall within 32 kilometres of the finish line. As a result of the accident, he hassuffered a head injury and left "rupture or luxation of the collarbone". Radiological tests will be carried out to determine the extent of his injuries.
The retreat of the leader and top favorite for the win has completely changed the overall ranking, with the Catalan runner of the Movistar Team Enric Mas taking first place eta wearing the red jersey. Mas min from Primoz Roglicand one minute 11 seconds from Felix Gall.
The French Bryan Coquard of the Cofidis team took thestage victory in the esprint. Coquard took 3 hours, 47 minutes and 6 secondsto complete the 171 kmA0 race at an average speed of 45.2 km/h. Mads Pedersen was second and Jordi Meeus was third.
This Sunday will be a tough mountain stage with a goal in the Upper Aitana . The tour can create the first major differences between the main candidates of the general, on the eve of the second week of the Return.
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Enric Mas takes over in the port of Aitana, and his leadership is stronger
The Mallorcan has given a show of strength at the top of Aitana by winning the ninth stage of the Return to Spain 2026. The head of the Movistar Team has responded with authority to the challenge of wearing the red jersey after the departure of Tadej Pogacar, surpassing rivals such as Primoz Roglic and Felix Gall, and strengthening the lead before the first day of rest.
Pogacar has posted his first message from the hospital: "Stayin'alive"
The Slovenian wanted to reassure his followers after a severe fall in the Spanish Vules. Pogacar had to leave the race on Saturday when he had everything in his favor to win this year's event.
Pogacar suffered a severe fall and left the Lap
According to the medical report released by the UAE team, Pogacar suffers a concussion of the brain, a displaced fracture in the left collarbone and a stable cervical fracture of the C7 vertebra, as well as various abrasions, injuries that will require surgical intervention to correct the collarbone.
Leknessund wins in Valdelinares, and Pogacar remains the leader
Second was the Norwegian Tobias Johannessen (Uno X), 34 seconds away; and third the Belgian Wout Van Aert, 47.
Pogacar overtakes Enric Mas in the finish line in Castellón and strengthens his lead
The Slovenian cyclist from the UAE has clearly outperformed the Spaniard from the Movistar, now second in the overall ranking, after both took advantage of other favorites.