In the stage with five climbs along the way, the pace was high from the start. It took a long time before a leading group got established. This group eventually battled it out for the stage victory. Behind the breakaway, Team Jumbo-Visma controlled the stage. Due to the steady pace of first Lennard Hofstede and then Jonas Vingegaard, nothing happened between the favourites.

“We controlled the stage really well”, Roglic said. “When Soler attacked, we remained calm and didn’t panic. We kept riding at our own pace. I expected some more attacks on the final climb, but I think everyone is afraid of the Angliru tomorrow. I expect the necessary attacks there and especially a hand-to-hand combat. I have never climbed the Angliru before, but I am looking forward to it and I am confident.”

The Dane Jonas Vingegaard rode a fantastic stage and has paced the peloton for almost the entire final climb. “I felt really good today. I just kept riding at a pace that I know I can hold on to for a long time. Because no one attacked, I just kept going on. We certainly didn’t use all our strength with an eye on tomorrow’s short, but tough day.”