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I hate to say it, but Tadej Pogačar's absence produced some of the most entertaining racing of the year - Luke Tuckwell's column

Tadej Pogačar’s unexpected exit from La Vuelta a España after crashing on stage 8 reshaped what became one of the most unpredictable Grand Tours of the year. The Slovenian superstar, who had already dominated the opening stages—including a strong time trial in Monaco and another in Andorra—was on track for multiple stage wins before the collision.

His absence, however, cleared the path for Enric Mas to inherit the red jersey and deliver a fierce defense, culminating in a thrilling general classification battle that kept fans guessing until the final stage. Without Pogačar’s presence, younger climbers like Jakob Omrzel and Mikel Landa seized mountain stage victories, while riders such as Primož Roglič and Juan Ayuso tested their limits in a race where every day brought new drama.

The result was a Vuelta far removed from the usual UAE Team Emirates-controlled narrative, with Mas ultimately securing his first Grand Tour podium after four prior top-three finishes.

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