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Stage 12 of LaVuelta today, Thursday: route, profile, schedule and where to watch online and on TV
Spain⚽ Sports9/3/2026

Stage 12 of LaVuelta today, Thursday: route, profile, schedule and where to watch online and on TV

The 12th stage of the 2026 Vuelta a España takes place on Thursday, featuring a challenging mountain route through Andalusia with two major climbs: Velefique and Calar Alto. The stage covers 166 kilometers with 4,530 meters of positive elevation gain and concludes at the first-category Calar Alto pass. Slovenian rider Tadej Pogačar, who had led the race by over three minutes before his withdrawal on Saturday, has been overtaken by Enric Mas of Movistar Team, who now holds the yellow jersey with a 1 minute and 18 seconds advantage. The stage begins at 1:05 PM from Vera and is expected to finish between 5:15 and 5:45 PM at Calar Alto. The event will be broadcast live by RTVE on Teledeporte, La 1, and La 2, as well as on RTVE Play and Eurosport via various platforms.

Tadej Pogacar suffered a severe crash during the Vuelta a España, leading to his withdrawal from the race and leaving Enric Mas as the new leader. The incident occurred on Saturday, with Pogacar sustaining a head injury and multiple fractures, forcing him to abandon the competition. His absence has shifted the dynamics of the race, placing Mas under intense scrutiny as he defends his lead. The stage, which included a challenging climb up the Alto de Aitana, saw several riders attempt breakaways, but ultimately, the strongest performance came from Mas. He secured victory in this crucial ascent, reinforcing his position at the top of the overall standings. Despite having previously won only one stage in his career, Mas demonstrated exceptional strength and strategy, managing to outpace competitors such as Primoz Roglic and Felix Gall. His win was marked by a sense of personal triumph, as he acknowledged the significance of wearing the red jersey, which he described as giving him extra motivation. Mas's victory on the Alto de Aitana was particularly notable given the circumstances surrounding Pogacar’s departure. The Slovenian cyclist had been a dominant force in the race before his accident, and his absence created uncertainty among the remaining contenders. Mas, who had never before held the leader’s jersey, found himself thrust into the spotlight, tasked with defending his newfound position against formidable rivals. His performance on the demanding climb underscored his resilience and strategic acumen, traits that have become increasingly vital in the absence of Pogacar. The stage featured a series of climbs, including the Puerto de Téberna, Miserat, Tollos, Tudons, and Benifallim, each contributing to the physical toll on the riders. The Decathlon team played a pivotal role in shaping the race dynamics, initiating attacks that tested the endurance of the field. Despite these challenges, Mas remained composed, responding effectively to threats while maintaining his focus on securing the stage win. His ability to navigate both the physical and psychological demands of the race highlighted his growth as a competitor. The impact of Pogacar’s exit extended beyond the immediate racing dynamics. It reshaped the narrative of the Vuelta, transforming it into a contest of renewed possibilities and uncertainties. Riders who had previously considered Pogacar an insurmountable obstacle now faced a different challenge, with Mas emerging as a key figure in the pursuit of victory. This shift has placed additional pressure on Mas, who must now maintain his lead through subsequent stages, including a critical time trial scheduled for Thursday. With the race taking a break on Monday, attention will turn to how the competing teams strategize for the upcoming days. The stage following the rest day will feature relatively easier terrain, offering opportunities for further gains. However, the true test for Mas lies ahead, particularly in the time trial, where his ability to perform under pressure will determine whether his leadership can be solidified. As the Vuelta progresses, all eyes remain on Mas, whose journey from a contender to a leader continues to unfold amidst the backdrop of Pogacar’s absence.

How this report was made. Objective News wrote this report from 7 source articles, using AI-assisted synthesis under our methodology. It is our own text, not a copy of any single outlet. Read our methodology.

Responsible editor: Matej BašaSpotted an error? Report it

7 reports

RTVE Noticias logoRTVE NoticiasState / PublicCenterFactual 95Objective 858/30/2026
Enric Mas is the strongest in the Alto de Aitana and defends his lead of the Vuelta a España to the attack

Enric Mas demonstrated his strength by winning the Alto de Aitana stage of the Vuelta a España, taking the lead in the race. His performance was marked by an aggressive riding style, which helped him secure the overall leadership. The stage was challenging due to the difficult terrain of the Alto de Aitana, a mountain pass known for testing cyclists' endurance. This victory positions Mas as a strong contender in the ongoing competition, highlighting his capability to perform under pressure.

Bias read (Center): The article focuses solely on a sports event, specifically a cycling race, with no mention of political figures, policies, or contentious issues. There is no framing that suggests a political bias, and the content remains purely descriptive of the athletic achievement.

Why factuality (95): The article accurately reports that Enric Mas won the stage at Alto de Aitana and reinforced his lead in the Vuelta a España. This aligns with the cross-source consensus from other articles reporting the same event.

Why objectivity (85): The article uses slightly emotive language such as 'el más fuerte' (the strongest) and 'defiende su liderato al ataque' (defends his leadership aggressively), which suggests some level of favoritism toward Mas. However, it remains largely factual and does not present overt bias.

El Confidencial logoEl ConfidencialIndependent🔒CenterFactual 92Objective 808/30/2026
Without Pogačar but with Aitana: Enric Mas wins red and is more leader of the Vuelta

The article reports on a cycling race where Enric Mas won in red, increasing his lead in the Vuelta a España. The headline mentions the absence of Tadej Pogačar but highlights the presence of Aitana, likely referring to another rider. The focus is on Mas's victory and his improved position in the overall standings.

Bias read (Center): The article covers a sports event and does not involve politically charged topics such as government, elections, or public policy. Therefore, it is considered apolitical and balanced.

Why factuality (92): The article correctly states that Enric Mas won the stage at Alto de Aitana and strengthened his position as leader of the Vuelta a España. It also mentions the absence of Pogačar, which is consistent with the cross-source consensus.

Why objectivity (80): The article uses more emotionally charged language like 'vence de rojo' (wins in red) and 'es más líder' (is more leader), which implies a positive framing of Mas’s performance. The tone leans slightly in favor of Mas compared to the more neutral tone of the first article.

ABC (España) logoABC (España)IndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 859/3/2026
Stage 12 of LaVuelta today, Thursday: route, profile, schedule and where to watch online and on TV

The 12th stage of the 2026 Vuelta a España takes place on Thursday, featuring a challenging mountain route through Andalusia with two major climbs: Velefique and Calar Alto. The stage covers 166 kilometers with 4,530 meters of positive elevation gain and concludes at the first-category Calar Alto pass. Slovenian rider Tadej Pogačar, who had led the race by over three minutes before his withdrawal on Saturday, has been overtaken by Enric Mas of Movistar Team, who now holds the yellow jersey with a 1 minute and 18 seconds advantage. The stage begins at 1:05 PM from Vera and is expected to finish between 5:15 and 5:45 PM at Calar Alto. The event will be broadcast live by RTVE on Teledeporte, La 1, and La 2, as well as on RTVE Play and Eurosport via various platforms.

Bias read (Center): The article provides objective information about the cycling race, including the route, schedule, and broadcasting details. It does not take a political stance or present biased framing. The focus is purely on the sports event and its logistics, making it a neutral report.

Why factuality (85): This article gives detailed information about the 12th stage, including the route, elevation, and key moments such as Pogačar’s leadership and Mas’ takeover. The data matches the cross-source consensus and reflects standard race reporting. Specific details like the time gaps and climbs are consisten

Why objectivity (85): The article maintains an impartial tone, presenting facts about the race without apparent bias. It reports on both Pogačar’s previous performance and Mas’ current leadership, giving equal attention to both without expressing personal opinion or emotional coloring.

El País logoEl PaísIndependent🔒CenterFactual 85Objective 708/30/2026
But he wants to be Pogacar in the Vuelta a España.

The article discusses the 2023 Vuelta a España cycling race, focusing on the performance of Enric Mas after Slovenian cyclist Tadej Pogačar withdrew from the competition. Without Pogačar, the race dynamics shifted, with other top riders like Primoz Roglic, Richard Carapaz, and Guillaume van Keirsbulck adapting their strategies. In the final stage, Mas emerged victorious, winning his first stage in the Vuelta despite having previously secured four podium finishes. His win was attributed to strong team support, particularly from Decathlon, and he expressed pride in wearing the red jersey, which he described as giving him 'wings.'

Bias read (Center): The article focuses solely on a sports event, the Vuelta a España, with no mention of politics, policy, or public figures beyond athletes. The content is purely descriptive of the race outcome and athlete perspectives, with no evident framing or bias.

Why factuality (85): The article accurately reports Enric Mas's win on the Alto de Aitana and his defense of the leader's jersey. It references the absence of Pogacar and the impact on the race dynamics, aligning with other sources. The information is presented clearly and factually.

Why objectivity (70): The article maintains a relatively neutral tone, focusing on the race results and Mas's performance. While there is some rhetorical emphasis on Mas's strength, it avoids overt bias and presents the events objectively.

El Mundo logoEl MundoIndependent🔒CenterFactual 80Objective 608/30/2026
Enric Mas wins on the Aitana hill and consolidates his lead in a Vuelta in 'shock' for the withdrawal of Pogacar

Enric Mas secured victory in the climb of Aitana during Stage 19 of the Vuelta a España, solidifying his position as leader in a race dramatically altered by the withdrawal of Tadej Pogačar due to injury. This win marks Mas’s 11th career victory and highlights his transformation from a previously inconsistent rider into a dominant force in the competition. The stage was particularly challenging, featuring significant elevation gains and intense competition among remaining riders. With Pogačar out of the race, the dynamics shifted, placing increased pressure on Mas to defend his lead in one of the most demanding stages of the tour.

Bias read (Center): The article focuses solely on a sports event, the Vuelta a España, with no mention of politics, policy, or public figures beyond athletes. There is no framing that suggests ideological bias, and the content remains purely descriptive of the race and its outcomes.

Why factuality (80): The article provides detailed information about Enric Mas's victory and references the medical condition of Pogacar. It aligns with the cross-source consensus regarding Pogacar's withdrawal and Mas's leadership. However, it uses poetic and subjective language to describe the event.

Why objectivity (60): While the article presents facts about the race and Mas's performance, it also includes subjective commentary and emotional language, such as 'vivir para ver' and 'trist�n, desventurado'. This affects the overall objectivity.

El Periódico logoEl PeriódicoIndependentCenterFactual 65Objective 708/27/2026
Pogacar and Enric Mas magnify the Tour

The article highlights the performance of cyclists Tadej Pogačar and Enric Mas during the Vuelta a España, noting their contributions to elevating the race's profile. It emphasizes their achievements and the impact they've had on the event's visibility and competitiveness.

Bias read (Center): The article focuses on sports performance and does not engage with politically charged topics. The framing remains neutral, discussing cycling achievements without taking a partisan stance.

Why factuality (65): The article reports that Pogacar and Enric Mas 'engrandecen' (enhance) the Vuelta, but lacks specific details or sources to support this claim. Without a primary source document, factuality is judged based on cross-source consensus, which may not include sufficient evidence to confirm the impact of

Why objectivity (70): The article uses emotionally charged language ('engrandecen') which suggests a positive evaluation of the riders' performance. While the tone is generally supportive, it does not present opposing viewpoints or alternative interpretations, slightly reducing objectivity.

20minutos logo20minutosIndependentCenterFactual 65Objective 458/29/2026
This was the terrifying fall of Pogacar in La Vuelta a España: blow to the peloton and traumatic brain injury

The article describes a dramatic crash involving Slovenian cyclist Tadej Pogačar during the Vuelta a España cycling race. The incident resulted in a collision with the peloton, leading to a severe head injury. The report emphasizes the severity of the accident, highlighting both the physical impact on Pogačar and the shock experienced by his fellow riders. The language used suggests a high level of concern for Pogačar’s condition and the dangerous nature of the event.

Bias read (Center): The article focuses on a sports event and does not involve political issues, making it apolitical. As such, it is classified as center with no meaningful lean.

Why factuality (65): The article describes Pogacar's fall as 'terrorífica' and mentions a 'traumatismo craneoencefálico', but does not provide specific medical details or sources. It focuses on dramatic narrative rather than factual reporting. The language is emotionally charged and lacks objective verification.

Why objectivity (45): The tone is highly emotive and sensationalistic, using words like 'terrorífica' and focusing on the trauma of the incident. There is little attempt to present multiple perspectives or maintain neutrality.

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