Movistar forced to work on alternative plan for Vuelta a España

Mas suffered from phlebitis—inflammation of the veins—in the Tour and, according to Diario de Navarra, is back in training. “The cyclist has improved considerably since July 24, is responding well to treatment, and is now cycling again.”

Nevertheless, the Vuelta, in which Mas has already finished on the podium four times, is still uncertain. "However, there are doubts as to whether he will be ready and fit for the start in Turin on 23 August. If he recovers in time, he will not be in optimal condition, nor sufficiently prepared to compete for the overall victory," writes the Spanish newspaper.

Movistar must therefore shift its focus more to stage wins, which, according to Diario, will be provided by Nairo Quintana, Orluis Aular, Javier Romo, Carlos Canal, Jeferson Cepeda, and Michel Hessman, among others.

The possible withdrawal of Mas is a significant setback. Last year, the climber finished third in the race and had previously finished second three times. Mas also won a stage in 2018.