Enric Mas (Movistar) is aware that Vuelta a España leader Remco Evenpoel (Quick Step-Alfa Vinyl) is currently racing in a different league, but the GC runner-up, with two weeks to go and a chance to He promised to try.

Mas was 44 seconds ahead of Evenpoel in Les Pleyel on Sunday.

But despite going from 28 seconds to 1:12 behind Evenpoel, Mallorca-born Mas remains in second place overall, and the top finish already signals a remarkable return to GC action for the 27-year-old after an exceptionally difficult Tour de France.

Like his compatriot Carlos Rodriguez (Ineos Grenadiers), who finished fourth overall, Mas said he pushed too deep early on the climb of Les Prelaces and later paid the price for it. But even though Evenpoel appears to be holding firm in the lead and giving his rivals little room to maneuver, Mas insisted that there is still a chance for an upset.

"I tried too hard to keep up with Lemko. If I had run at my own pace, I would have done better," Mas said, adding with a smile, "I'll remember that for next time."

"At the moment he looks unbeatable, but this race is three weeks away. He was stronger than me today, but as I have been saying since day one, I am out here racing one day at a time."

Mas reiterated that he did not know if Evenpoel would be weak going forward, but said that "La Vuelta is very long" and that having more experience in Grand Tours "could be an advantage."

He added that he is also very happy that two young Spanish racers like Rodriguez and Juan Ayuso (UAE Team Emirates) are still in contention for GC after an intense first week.

"I remember when I finished second in 2018," he said. It's good to see Spanish cycling growing again."