- It felt very good and Nairo Quintana drove well. At the moment, the four of us who are at the front are the strongest, but it is still far, says Valverde, who is a stable mate in Movistar with Quintana.

Miguel Angel "Superman" Lopez and Colombian compatriot Nairo Quintana were close behind. Lopez takes over the total line and these are the four cylinders that are about to come. The battle of the Vueltan has settled down properly. Few will be able to challenge the four in the lead that are gathered within 27 seconds.

Incline of 25 percent

The final four kilometers, out of 183, had an average slope of 12 percent with a peak of 25 on narrow cracked asphalt roads with gravel.

- It was a short but tough climb and I'm happy with my second place, says Roglic in Eurosport's broadcast.

Belgian Dylan Teuns, who led the day's stage, was allowed to drop with 26 km left and took a lift down the field.

"I hope for an easier day tomorrow," says Teun sitting on the ground, staring straight ahead with an empty look.