Edvald Boasson Hagen tried to emulate the success of his Sky team mate Vasil Kiryienka in the Vuelta a España today. But whereas Kiryienka managed to win the stage yesterday, Boasson Hagen had to settle for the most aggressive rider reward.

The Norwegian did draw some consolation from his improving form, though, as he continues his build-up for the Worlds.

“It would have been nice to have a bigger gap. Yesterday, Vasil Kiryienka demonstrated that it’s possible to win a stage from a breakaway so I wanted to do the same. Unfortunately, the peloton rode full gas behind us. My condition is getting better and better, it’s looking good ahead of the world championship.”