Edvald Boasson Hagen sprinted to sixth place on stage four of the Vuelta a España as Sergio Henao followed in ninth to give Team Sky two riders in the top 10 yesterday.

Boasson Hagen proved he is gradually making a return to something resembling peak condition following his injury at the Tour de France with a striking burst for the line on an uphill finish at Fisterra in Galicia.

Henao also put in a strong performance on the uncategorised climb, while Colombian compatriot Rigoberto Uran retained seventh place in the general classification by finishing 31st, six seconds back.

Spain’s Daniel Moreno (Katusha) took the honours of the day after launching a splendid late attack to subsequently see off a late surge from second-placed Fabian Cancellara (RadioShack-Leopard) and third-placed Michael Matthews (Orica-GreenEDGE).

Sky sports director Marcus Ljungqvist was in optimistic mood as he reviewed the events of the day.

"Today was a good day for us. Every stage we are getting stronger,” Ljungqvist told the Sky website.

"Edvald was given a bit of a free role and we also got Sergio into the top 10 as well. Edvald is making a really good comeback and we haven't seen the best of him yet. He will get better and better throughout the Vuelta.

"Sergio was back to his best as well. Stage two was a bad day for him, but he showed really good signs today.

"It was also good to see Rigo [Rigoberto Uran] up there. His legs are good and he is well placed in the GC. All in all it was another good day for us."

Rigoberto Uran is the best placed Sky rider after the opening four stages of the Vuelta at 7th overall, 28” behind race leader Vincenzo Nibali (Astana).