In the flat opening phase, the pace was high. There were numerous attacks from the peloton, leading to more than thirty riders attempting to escape. Eventually, the field regrouped, and a breakaway of thirteen riders was granted permission to go ahead. Wout van Aert attempted to bridge the gap to the breakaway group, but the peloton did not allow it.

At the summit of the Alto de las Abejas, Australian rider O’Connor claimed the stage victory and the red jersey. Six minutes later, the first peloton, including Sepp Kuss and Cian Uijtdebroeks, crossed the finish line. Van Aert’s green jersey was not at risk today.

“It was a real battle to get into the breakaway today,” Kuss observed from the front row. “The opening phase was particularly tough. The pace was high, and it was once again quite warm. Eventually, a group of thirteen riders got away after an earlier group was reeled back in. The course was very technical, with several tricky moments here and there. Ben rode exceptionally well today. He didn’t get the win handed to him; he truly earned it.”

After the race, Van Aert admitted that the idea of joining the breakaway had crossed his mind. “I definitely wanted to try. Unfortunately, it’s always easier said than done. The race really exploded on one of the climbs, which made it difficult for me. I decided not to exhaust all my energy, keeping in mind what’s still to come in the next two weeks. Today’s stage involved a lot of twists and turns, making it easier for a select group than for the peloton. It was tough to take control. Tomorrow, Team Visma | Lease a Bike will have another chance,” the Belgian points jersey holder concluded with determination.