Enric Mas smiled on the podium of Il Lombardia next to winner Tadei Pogachar and third-place finisher Mikel Landa.

Mas was impressive as he attacked Pogachar several times on the climbs of Civiglio and Fermo della Battaglia. In the sprint race, he challenged the Slovenian and finished a close second. However, his performance and second place was little consolation in what was a sad day for Spanish cycling.

"It might be a happy day in a way because I finished second to Pogi [Tadei Pogachar] in the Monument Classic, but it is a sad day because it was Alejandro Valverde's last race," Mas said.

"Valverde is one of the best riders in the world. You can't change that."

Mas can be proud of his performance at Il Lombardia. He was the only rider to match Pogachar.

"I attacked him on the last two climbs and tried to beat him in the sprint, but it was impossible.

"I could have got away in the final but I knew Mikel Landa was behind me and I had to keep pulling. I was thinking about the sprint and how I could beat Taddeusi.

Mas will probably look back on the end of the season more positively in the next few days.

Valverde was done, but the quiet Spaniard proved he could be a leader for Movistar by finishing second in the Vuelta a España and second in Il Lombardia.

Mas also showed character by returning from the difficult Tour de France, which ended because of COVID-19.

"I had some really bad moments, or rather bad months, this season," Mas explained.

"I had a number of big crashes, and at the Tour de France I got infected with covid. Until then it was my worst season. But after the Tour de France I rested and came back step by step. This season has not been bad."

Mas is now 27 years old. While Carlos Rodriguez of Ineos Grenadiers and Juan Ayuso of UAE Team Emirates have grown up fast, Mas will enter 2023 as Spain's best rider in the Grand Tour, and perhaps other classics.

"Step by step, he is maturing and improving.

"I am really happy with this result. I like the one-day race more and more. I like Liège - Bastogne - Liège, San Sebastian and Lombardy, so I will try to win at the Monument in the next few years."