Roglic closes gap on Mas in Vuelta time trial

Primoz Roglic climbed into second place overall after the stage 18 individual time trial at the Vuelta a Espana, trimming Enric Mas’s advantage to 1 minute 37 seconds. Roglic crossed the line fourth in a time of 35 minutes and 41 seconds, a performance that reduced the Spaniard’s lead from its previous margin. The Slovenian, riding for Red Bull‑Bora‑Hansgrohe, also moved ahead of Felix Gall in the general classification after Gall finished the stage in 25th position, 1:36 slower than his podium rival. Stage 18’s 32.5‑kilometre route from El Puerto de Santa Maria to Jerez de la Frontera was won by Switzerland’s Stefan Kung, who edged Great Britain’s Callum Thornley by three seconds. Oscar Onley remained fifth overall despite a 17th‑place finish on the day, extending his buffer over young‑rider jersey contender Jacob Omrzel. The Vuelta’s itinerary continues with a 205.1‑kilometre leg between Velez‑Malaga and Penas Blancas on Friday, followed by Saturday’s 187‑kilometre mountainous stage from La Calahorra to Collado del Alguacil. The race concludes on Sunday with a 99.4‑kilometre circuit in Granada, where the 31‑year‑old Mas will look to secure his first Grand Tour victory.