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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.

XERACO (VALENCIA), 29/08/2026.- El ciclista francés Bryan Coquard (2d), del Cofidis, se impone al sprint en la octava etapa de La Vuelta a España entre Puçol y Xeraco, de 171 kilómetros. EFE/Javier Lizón

EITB

2026/08/29 - 18:33

Updated

2026/08/29 - 18:33

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.