Warren Barguil fought hard to limit his losses in today's stage of the Vuelta a Espana. Having gone down in crash two days ago, the Frenchman was pleasantly surprised by the outcome.

Nikias Arndt made sure that Team Giant-Shimano were represented in the large breakaway of 31 riders on the ninth stage of La Vuelta a España before the day’s real test to the finish – a tough mountain ascent to the line in Aramón Valdelinares.

Barguil was climbing with the select front group of GC favourites until the attacks started inside the final two kilometres where he dropped off the pace to climb at his own tempo, limiting his loses to 39-second to the first of the overall favourites over the line, finishing 30th on the day.

After eight days of the extreme Spanish heat, the peloton today were riding towards their first wet finish of the race on stage nine of the Tour of Spain. The day got off to a fast start with large groups coming and going and it was eventually a 31-rider break that formed at the head of the race.

Team Giant-Shimano, keen to be represented in the move, had Arndt present in front, while behind the pressure was off and the team could concentrate on looking after Barguil ahead of the second real climbing test of the race.

The break stayed together until the slopes of the first of two climbs to finish. From the group three riders pulled ahead and eventually one remained with Winner Anacona (Lampre) holding nearly two minutes advantage in the final kilometre to the group of favourites closing in fast.

Arndt dropped off the pace as the road started to climb and dropped back to give Barguil a quick bit of help before finishing at his own pace. Barguil was climbing strongly in the select group that formed of around 15 riders as they gradually reeled in the remnants of the day’s break.

The attacks came from this group with just under two kilometres to go and Barguil soon dropped off the back of the group in the wet conditions, a start contrast to what they have been experiencing over the past few days. He pushed on though and after initially losing ground limited the gap to just 39 seconds to Contador (Saxo-Tinkoff), first home from the favourites. Race leader Valverde (Movistar) finished just 16 seconds ahead of Warren and lost his lead to teammate Nairo Quintana. Barguil slipped back one place overall to tenth.

Tomorrow the riders can look forward to the first rest day of the race before Tuesday’s individual time trial where further shake ups in the GC are sure to arise.

Team coach Christian Guiberteau: “Another tough day and a real contrast in weather too with the stage starting in over 30 degree heat and dropping to 13 degrees by the finish.

“It was not a big focus to get in the break today but when a large break goes like that it is good to have someone there and Nikias did well up front. When he dropped off he was able to help Warren on the climb too which was good for him.

“Warren did a good final climb and only dropped back when the big attacks came but he finished in a good group and can be pleased with his day again. Next is a well earned rest day!”

Barguil gave his thoughts: “I’m feeling better and better after my crash and today limited the gaps quite well. I am pleased and quite surprised with today as the fall tired me out.

“The team placed me well for the final climb and I was climbing well – I am happy that I’ve made some good progress with my climbing this season through some specific work with the team, but I think there is still room for progression. I’m getting stronger step by step here with the strong support of the team and so far I am happy with how everything has been going here.”