Anyone who had predicted before the 146-kilometer stage from Graus up to Aramón Formigal that the photo at the finish would ultimately decide victory or defeat would probably have been smiled at. In the end, however, he would have been right.
The third difficult part of the day within three days was again determined by a breakaway group. This had already separated from the field early on and developed a solid lead. Among the escapees was the young Frenchman Warren Barguil (Argos-Shimano), who already won a stage at the weekend. In addition to him, Dominik Nerz (BMC), the Pole Bartosz Huzarski from the German team NetApp-Endura and Rigoberto Uran (Sky) were also represented. It was these four who turned out to be the strongest riders of the day on the finish climb up to Aramón Formigal.
A few kilometers from the finish, Barguil grabbed his luck, but was countered by Uran under the devil's rag. As a result, both played poker, so that Nerz and Huzarski were able to catch up again. However, they were not up to the advent of uranium. Barguil, on the other hand, was able to intercept the Colombian on the line and secured his second victory of the day at the Vuelta.
There was also an exciting final behind the leaders. Two kilometers from the finish, Alejandro Valverde (Movistar) from the group of favorites around overall leader Vincenzo Nibali (Astana) attacked first. They were able to fend off the attack. However, he had nothing to oppose the vehement start of Joaquin Rodriguez (Katusha). In contrast, Chris Horner (RadioShack Leopard) showed better legs. The American eventually took more than twenty seconds off Nibali by the time he crossed the finish line, edging closer to him in the overall standings.
The final of the stage in the video is there here. [Link]
//Result
1. Warren Barguil (Argos-Shimano) 3:43:31
2. Rigoberto Uran Uran (Sky) 0:00:00
3. Bartosz Huzarski (NetApp Endura) 0:00:03
4. Dominik Mink (BMC Racing) 0:00:08
5. Jose Herrada Lopez (Movistar) 0:00:20
//In total
1. Vincenzo Nibali (Astana) 64:06:01
2. Christopher Horner (RadioShack Leopard) 0:00:28
3. Alejandro Valverde Belmonte (Movistar) 0:01:14
4. Joaquim Rodriguez Oliver (Katusha) 0:02:29
5. Domenico Pozzovivo (AG2R La Mondiale) 0:03:38