Henok reaches first Vuelta rest day 65th overall

Henok Mulubrhan reached the first rest day of the 2026 Vuelta a España in 65th place overall after completing Sunday’s demanding mountain stage to Alto de Aitana.

The Eritrean finished Stage 9 in 60th place, recording 5:30:36 and crossing 19:56 behind stage winner and race leader Enric Mas. His overall deficit stands at 1:07:09, while he is 60th in the points classification with five points.

Mulubrhan has steadily recovered ground since placing 155th in the opening time trial in Monaco. His strongest result of the first nine stages remains 14th on Stage 8, evidence of the speed he can bring when the terrain produces a reduced finish. XDS Astana also strengthened its race on Alto de Aitana through Cristián Rodríguez’s fifth place and Harold Tejada’s eighth.

Racing resumes Tuesday with a 184.7-kilometre hilly stage from Alcaraz to Elche de la Sierra. Three third-category climbs, including the Puerto de Socovos before the run to the finish, could encourage another breakaway or a selective sprint.