The battle for the overall win became an exciting one at the Alto de la Covatilla. The number two of the general ranking Richard Carapaz had a shot at the overall victory, but was not able to take enough time on the Slovenian leader of Team Jumbo-Visma. If no unforeseen things happen in the usually ceremonial stage tomorrow, Roglic will win the Vuelta a España for the second consecutive time.

“It became very exciting in the last kilometres”, Roglic stated afterwards. “I knew it would be enough to retain the overall lead if I kept my own pace. In the end it all falls into place and I’m still wearing the red jersey. Carapaz showed that he is very strong. I didn’t always have everything under control, but I never had the feeling that I would lose the red jersey. I stayed focused and did my own thing. That turned out to be enough to keep my place in the rankings. The whole team showed themselves today. My teammates did a really good job today, as they have done throughout the Vuelta. Until now, we have been focused every day. We have to stay focused for one more day and then it’s over.”