Stage 20 featured seven categorized climbs and almost five thousand altitude metres. For Robert Gesink, it was an especially significant day, as it marked the final regular stage of his professional career.

“We had the plan to go for the stage win,” said sports director Grischa Niermann after the race. “That could have been possible either through the breakaway or with a strong Sepp. But unfortunately, we have to admit that we weren't good enough today. Sepp had to drop back on the penultimate climb. It is what it is for now. The guys certainly fought and did what they could, but we simply weren't good enough to compete today.”

Sunday’s final stage in Madrid will be a time trial. In that, Gesink will ride his last official kilometers of his career, Edoardo Affini will aim for a strong result as a time trial specialist, and Kuss will look to defend his 13th place in the general classification.