Alexis Gougeard (Ag2r) looked like the strongest rider in the break in today's stage of the Vuelta a Espana but after a thrilling finale, he was caught less than one kilometre from the finish.

“I thought we could make it," he said. "My team director was telling me the gaps on the radio and I could see we were resisting well. I attacked with 3.5 km to go because we were not working so well together anymore. After that, for me it was over. It's a missed opportunity. It's a pity.

"I will certainly want to break again in the next days but I must also spare myself a little because I'm really intent on finishing this Vuelta."