Domenico Pozzovivo (Ag2r) was tipped as podium contender in the Vuelta a Espana but the Italian is only 11th as we go into the second rest day.

"Usually, the second week of competition is decisive for the general classification, but Domenico is not present in the GC top 10," sports director Julien Jurdie said. "He feels good but not in a fantastic shape too. He has nothing to do with the rider we know when he is a hundred percent.

"He is currently eleventh at 6’46’’ behind the GC leader mainly because of his stage 11 poor result in Andorra. Otherwise, he is always riding among the GC leaders.

"Overall our team showed great determination by being involved in long breakaways. Then, on the following days, Domenico will have to give the best of him. To do so, he will need an excellent time during the Burgos time trial. The next two stages will be more appropriate for breakaways, therefore, his last opportunity will be during the day before Madrid’s finish. That is why he will have to give it all he’s got to be in the GC top 10."