Irish cyclist Eddie Dunbar secured victory in the 19th stage of the Vuelta a España on Friday, while Spaniard Enric Mas maintained his overall lead with just one mountain stage remaining before the race concludes.

The 210-kilometer mountainous stage from Vélez-Málaga to Peñas Blancas saw Dunbar, 30, overtake Colombian Santiago Buitrago in the final 300 meters. Buitrago, who leads the King of the Mountains classification, had launched an attack within the last two kilometers, breaking away from the other three remaining riders in the breakaway group. After initially not responding, Dunbar mounted a decisive counterattack in the final kilometer to catch and surpass Buitrago, finishing 14 seconds ahead. Dunbar’s British teammate, Thomas Gloag, completed the podium, arriving 23 seconds behind.

The breakaway originally formed about halfway through the stage, beginning with 16 riders who distanced themselves from the main peloton in a chaotic race. However, the group fragmented on the final climb leading to the finish.

Reflecting on his unexpected win, Dunbar said he had not anticipated success, noting a difficult start to the day before his form improved as the race progressed.

Meanwhile, Enric Mas remained in the leader’s position, holding a 1 minute and 37 seconds advantage over Slovenian rider Primož Roglič, a four-time Vuelta champion. Mas and Roglič, along with other general classification contenders, reached the finish line together. The Red Bull-Bora Hansgrohe team, supporting Roglič, as well as EF Education-Easypost, which includes former Giro d’Italia winner Richard Carapaz, attempted to increase the pace during the 18-kilometer climb to the finish but were unable to challenge Mas’ control.

Mas is pursuing his first Vuelta victory after finishing second in the race on three prior occasions. The final mountain stage lies ahead on Saturday before the race concludes.