Enric Mas hints at surprising post retirement ambitions: 'I would like to help other riders'

Speaking during an event at the Madrid headquarters of Telefónica, Movistar Team's main sponsor, Mas reflected on a memorable few weeks that saw him achieve some of the biggest results of his career.

The 31-year-old Spaniard finally secured his first Grand Tour victory in September, winning the Vuelta a España after years of coming close. Having previously finished runner-up three times, Mas became the first Spanish winner of the race since Alberto Contador in 2014. His triumph also ended Movistar's seven-year wait for another Grand Tour victory.

His first appearance after the Vuelta proved less successful, as Mas abandoned the road race at the World Championships. However, he bounced back in impressive fashion at Il Lombardia on October 10, finishing second behind French sensation Paul Seixas. 

On the demanding roads around Como, Mas distanced Giulio Ciccone in the closing kilometres before crossing the line 48 seconds behind Seixas, securing another Monument podium four years after finishing runner-up to Tadej Pogačar in the same race. 

It was a fitting conclusion to a season that has transformed his career.

Despite having no immediate plans to retire, Mas is beginning to consider how he might remain involved in cycling once his days as a professional rider are over.

The Spaniard is less interested in taking on a traditional management role within a team and is instead drawn to working more personally with a small group of riders.

"The younger generations come through with different ideas and tremendous confidence in themselves. I think there is also a lot we can learn from them," Mas said according to MARCA.

"Looking further ahead, I would be interested in supporting other riders as an agent, working with a small group so I could really stay close to them and help them throughout their careers."

His comments suggest an interest in sharing the experience gained during a career that has included major setbacks, considerable pressure and, ultimately, success at the highest level.

Mas's Vuelta victory was particularly meaningful given how long he had waited for a breakthrough in a three-week race.

During Friday's gathering, the Mallorcan acknowledged the importance of the people around him during the more difficult periods of his career.

"Above all, cycling has taught me humility. One day you can be at the very top and the next you can lose," he explained.

"In those moments, my family, my friends and the team have been fundamental. You have to keep working and keep dreaming because, in the end, dreams can come true."

For all his thoughts about the future, Mas made clear that his competitive ambitions remain unchanged. His breakthrough Grand Tour victory has only strengthened his desire to fight for more major titles.

"I am a rider who has had to work incredibly hard to achieve victories, and perhaps that is why I appreciate them even more," he said.

"My challenge is to keep dreaming and to be there again, competing for big objectives, especially at the Vuelta, which is my favourite race."

Mas also reflected on the influence of technology on modern cycling, particularly the increasingly detailed performance data available to riders and teams.

"Technology has completely transformed cycling. Today we have enormous amounts of data that allow us to analyse practically every aspect of performance," he explained.

After finally reaching the top step of a Grand Tour podium, Mas has little reason to rush into the next chapter of his career. His performance at Il Lombardia showed that he also remains a formidable competitor beyond the three-week races that have defined much of his career.

For now, the focus remains on winning more races. But when that chapter eventually closes, the Spaniard can imagine staying in the sport and helping others achieve the success he spent so many years chasing.