Before the Vuelta peloton enters the final weekend, the 180-kilometre stage between Vitoria-Gasteiz and Maestu was on the programme. The hilly stage in the Basque country had two categorised climbs.  

Ahead of the first climb of the day, around 40 riders, including Kruijswijk and Attila Valter, formed the early breakaway. The large group created a big gap. On Puerto Herrera, the final climb of the day, the group was firmly thinned out. Thirteen riders, including Kruijswijk, battled for the stage win. In the finale, the Dutchman tried it with an attack. Tactically, it turned out to be the right moment, but he was countered by Berrade. The Spaniard reached the line solo moments later. Kruijswijk finished tenth.  

“It was a stage where there were opportunities for the escapees”, Kruijswijk responded afterwards. “Attila and I got in front together with 40 others. Then it was waiting for the crucial final climb. When the race exploded, I was able to follow. In the finale I chose the right moment to attack, but unfortunately I didn't have the legs to continue. It's a pity, but as a team we presented ourselves well.”  

“After all the bad luck, it's nice to compete for the win again. It gives enormous satisfaction that I can show myself here. During the rehabilitations, you sometimes start to doubt yourself. It is therefore great to be back in contention for a win at this level. I can be happy with this performance.”  

The general classification favourites didn't sit still on the Puerto Herrera either. Kuss could not keep up with the high pace on the climb. The American ended up in a chasing group. Valter - who had dropped out at the front – helped his team leader, but they eventually finished just over three minutes from the group of favourites.  

Sports director Grischa Niermann: “When Sepp struggled after the attacks in the peloton, we hoped to limit the damage with Attila's help. Unfortunately, Sepp turned out to have a lesser day. After today, he is still 12th in the general classification, but the gap to tenth place has grown. We will see from day to day what is possible in the final weekend. We can make a lot of plans, but in the end the legs have to be able to execute them.”