With five categorised climbs, it was a challenging stage for the riders. The classification riders were particularly looking forward to the Alto do Malhão, a steep 2.5-kilometre wall with a gradient of almost 10 percent. This highlight had to be climbed twice, with the final summit being the finish line. Before the Alto do Malhão, Van Aert was the first to take the lead, with the help of Per Strand Hagenes - who was in the traditional early breakaway.

Together with Gijs Leemreize and Ben Healy, the 29-year-old Belgian started the final climb with a small lead. With two kilometres to go, the brave attack failed, and the small peloton, including Tratnik and Kuss, caught the lead group. The two riders in the yellow-black formation rode with the best to the summit but were denied the stage win. Daniel Felipe Martínez was the first to cross the line.

Tratnik was pleased with the way the team rode. "We tried to make the race attractive. Van Aert did a fantastic job today and got far, but unfortunately, he got caught just before the end. Kuss and I were comfortable in the peloton because of his attack. It was up to the other teams to clinch Van Aert. We did a fantastic job as a team today, and I am happy with my result in the final classification.”

"I was hoping to get closer to the stage win during my attack”, Van Aert said. "At one point, it looked good, but I also felt that Healy was a bit better. When the bunch had us in sight, I dropped out, hoping to do something for my teammates. Unfortunately, it didn't work out. Overall, we are very happy with our race this week. We won a stage and are on the podium in the general classification. This gives us confidence for the coming weeks.”