Apart from a short attack by Vitillo, the peloton stayed together for a long time. With seventy kilometres to go, the final already started. Classification leader Vollering joined a group of chasers after the strong wind split the peloton. Spurred on by Team Jumbo-Visma and Movistar, the gap between the peloton and Vollering's group grew.

"It was a tough day", Markus said. "Echelons formed in the first few kilometres due to the strong wind. We were still in the peloton with all our riders, so we also decided to do our part at the front."

Markus countered Van Vleuten's acceleration on the day's first climb, the Fuente de las Varas, but the Dutch champion had to give up her position at the front soon after. "From the first climb, Van Vleuten went full steam ahead. I could stay with her for a long time, but two kilometres from the top, I had to let her go. Keeping the wheel longer would have been nice, but that wasn't possible for me today."

Markus teamed up with Spanish champion Garcia in the chase. The group, including GC leader Vollering, eventually caught the duo on the day's second climb. This left Markus in an excellent position for the final stage. "I am happy that I'm still third in the general classification. Today's stage was different from what we expected. We hoped to be able to position Marianne well for a sprint with a small group, but it turned out to be a tough classification stage."

Sunday will see the final stage of this Vuelta Femenina. The riders will encounter Collado Moandi (2nd category) along the way. The finish will be in Lagos de Covadonga after an hors-category climb. Marianne Vos still leads the points classification.