Belgium's young cycling star Remco Evenepoel is facing the greatest success of his career so far at the Vuelta. The 22-year-old defended the overall leader's red jersey on Saturday on the 20th and penultimate stage of the 77th Tour of Spain.

Before the final day, Eveneoel is 2:05 minutes ahead of his closest pursuer Enric Mas from Spain and 5:08 minutes ahead of his compatriot Juan Ayuso.

Evenepoel easily fended off all of Mas's attacks on the difficult mountain stage over 181 kilometers from Moralzarzal to Puerto de Navacerrada and finished sixth in the stage. After crossing the finish line, the young Belgian shed tears of joy. Richard Carapaz from Ecuador got the day's victory. The Olympic champion from Tokyo thus secured the jersey of the best climber in the Vuelta ahead of time.

The final leg of the Tour of Spain on Sunday covers 97 kilometers from Las Rozas to the capital Madrid.

Appreciation of the Vuelta