Greig Leach

Remco Evenepoel (Soudal-Quick Step) had come to the Vuelta as the defending champion with every expectation of being high up in the GC this year if not repeating his victory. However, things have not panned out as hoped after a miserable day up the stage that finished atop the Tourmalet. Yet, he was able to bounce back the next day both winning the stage and pulling on the Polka Dot jersey of the King of the Mountains. Today, he went out in the break away to build on that lead. He did claw back another three minutes in the GC, but climbing back into contention is highly unlikely. As he neared the summit of the second climb of the day, he was followed by Santiago Buitrago (Bahrain-Victorious), Lennard Kamna (Bora-Hansgrohe) and Rui Costa (INtermache-Circus-Wanty). All of them were putting themselves in with a chance for a stage victory.