Mas enters uncharted territory ahead of Giro debut: 'We have to aim for the podium, otherwise we wouldn't start'

On his road to recovery this season, Enric Mas suffered another setback when a training crash in February ruled him out of the UAE Tour, before returning at the Volta a Catalunya where he finished a low-key 24th overall.

Speaking to Marca, Mas acknowledged the uncertainty regarding his form following the setbacks, but illustrated confidence based on recent training ahead of the Grande Partenza in Bulgaria. 

"I usually arrive at the Grand Tours with more races under my belt. But it's also true that I've had a different winter after the injury. Then I had another crash, with another injury, which has lasted longer than I expected,” Mas told Marca. 

“The truth is, in the last training camp in the mountains, I felt very good. Now we'll have to see how it goes," added Mas.

Mas has finished in the top 6 of Grand Tours eight times, with four podium finishes at the Vuelta a España, making him one of the most accomplished GC contenders on the start list. With Jonas Vingegaard the head and shoulders favourite for the maglia rosa, Mas was asked if the Dane’s presence makes things more straightforward for the rest of the competition. 

“I think we have to ride our own race, see where we stand, and from there, approach the race from whatever perspective we think is best. I think there are two distinct stages of the Giro: up to the time trial, and then a completely different Giro after the first ten days," said Mas.

Following his own setbacks, Mas was asked about the absences of João Almeida, Richard Carapaz, and Mikel Landa, all of whom were late withdrawals from the provisional start. 

“What I thought when I saw them drop out, because ultimately they drop out due to illness or because they haven't recovered from injuries, is that I hope they recover soon and are at the next races," explained Mas.

"The truth is, whether they're there or not, it makes absolutely no difference to me. It's clear they can be on the podium, but like I said, all I'm thinking about is their recovery and little else," added Mas.

Entering uncharted territory in his first Giro, Mas highlighted how the race can be separated into two halves. 

“People tell me to wait until Italy, that the atmosphere will be real there. Here we are in Bulgaria for the first three days, and we have to get through them," said Mas. "The first day isn't so difficult, but we have to get through these three days, have the rest day, and then face the Giro."

Mas also confirmed his podium ambitions, stating, “The truth is, we've been thinking about this race since the preseason, and of course we have to go out there and aim for the podium. Otherwise, we wouldn't even have to start the race.”