Becerril de la Sierra (Spain) (AFP)

Colombian Sergio Higuita (Education First) on Thursday won his solo stage on a grand Tour at the 18th stage of the Tour of Spain, dominated more than ever by Primoz Roglic (Jumbo-Visma).

The only survivor of a breakaway of seven riders left before the second of four category 1 passes of the day, Higuita, 23, resisted the return of the favorites in the final run.

At the finish in the streets of Becerril de la Sierra, in the community of Madrid, he left behind 15 seconds the Slovenian red jersey, which went to get the bonuses to get closer to the final victory, which tends him arms Sunday in Madrid.

On the mountainous asphalt of the Sierra de Guadarrama, the indestructible Spaniard Alejandro Valverde (Movistar) finished 3rd in the wheel of Roglic and became the general's runner-up (+ 2 min 50 sec).

In addition to Higuita, two other Colombians had different spells: Miguel Angel Lopez (Astana, 25), one of the great leaders of the race, took the white jersey of best young and 4th place of the general (+ 04'17 ' '). On the other hand, Nairo Quintana (Movistar) lost a minute on Roglic, even if he keeps his 3rd place (+03 '31' ') thanks to his surprise comeback during a transition stage in trompe-l'o Wednesday eye.

- "Stay focused" -

"It's an incredible day, it's the most important victory of my career, I dreamed of winning a stage on a grand tour and today I'm getting there," responded Higuita, who also dedicated his victory to his American team EF, who knows a very complicated Vuelta.

Education First has seen three dropouts in Spain: that of its Colombian leader Rigoberto Uran, who is currently recovering from a heavy fall, the American Tejay Van Garderen and the British Hugh Carthy.

For the final race, while there are only three stages, the suspense diminishes. The end is near and the rare opportunities for the underdogs, to see the Slovenian.

"I'm one day closer, that's for sure, it's very important," said Roglic, who wants to "stay focused in the next few days" until arriving in the streets of the capital.

After the stage, the world champion Valverde for his part acknowledged that the advance of Roglic "seems very solid".

If Friday should be calm for the former ski jumper, along the 165 kilometers between the historic cities of Avila and Toledo, Saturday will present the ultimate hurdles to overcome, before winning the first big round of his career.

© 2019 AFP