Enric Mas won the demanding ninth stage of Vuelta a España by beating Oscar Onley at the finish at Alto de Aitana. The Spanish rider thus reinforced his position as leader of the general classification of the race.
With this victory, Mas increased his advantage over the second placed rider, Primoz Roglic, to 1.18 minutes, consolidating his leadership in the general classification of the Vuelta.
Portuguese rider João Almeida finished the stage in 65th position, unable to keep up with the best in the final of this mountain stage.
The ninth stage of Vuelta a España was characterized by its demanding nature, with the mountaintop finish testing the contenders throughout the entire day.
