The 19th stage took the peloton from Vélez-Málaga to Peñas Blancas, an 18-kilometer first-category climb where the finish line was located. Early in the stage, the battle was on for a spot in the breakaway. Steven Kruijswijk and Jørgen Nordhagen were among those who tried to make the move, but their efforts were not rewarded.

Halfway through the stage, 16 riders managed to break clear of the peloton. The group was given the green light and was allowed to fight for the stage victory. On the slopes of the final climb, the breakaway split apart, leaving four riders at the front. Dunbar ultimately proved to be the strongest of the group.

There was little action among the GC contenders. Aside from an acceleration by Primož Roglič, the GC riders did not make any significant moves. "We got through the day well", sports director Maarten Wynants said. "We did everything we could to get Sepp into the breakaway, but the top five riders in the GC did not give him any room. We’re now looking ahead to the next two stages, where there is still a lot that can happen. Tomorrow, we’ll try again with Sepp."