Battle until the final kilometer: this was the Team Colombia-Coldeportes’ mantra for this Vuelta a Espana, and Claudio Corti’s riders certainly fulfilled it, going on the attack also in the last mountain stage of the Spanish race, San Lorenzo de El Escorial – Cercedilla (175 km), that virtually assigned the overall title to Fabio Aru (Astana).

The stage win went to Ruben Plaza (Lampre-Merida), who converted an unbelievable effort: the Spaniard finished solo after 114 km all alone, after moving away of the 39-man group that also included Colombia-Coldeportes’ Alex Cano and Carlos Julian Quintero.

The breakaway attempt had started early in the race, run at a frantic pace from the very moment the flag was dropped. Miguel Angel Rubiano had been the first to accelerate for the “Escarabajos”, but in the end it was Cano and Quintero who managed to work their way among the chasers of an 11-man leading group, that already included Ruben Plaza.

“The Spaniard really made an impressive pace today, and we immediately realized it,” Cano told. “I wish to congratulate him for this amazing display.”

Little after the two groups got back together, forming a 39-man leading group, Plaza launched his daring action that eventually – and surprisingly – turned out to be the winning one. Behind him, on the third of four categorized climbs on the day, the chasers’ group exploded into pieces, while back in the main bunch – about 12 minutes behind at the time – the pace set by Astana put Tom Dumoulin (Giant-Shimano) severely on the back foot. The overnight leader could not react to the attack by Aru and his teammates, and eventually slid from first to sixth in the overall classification.

Plaza finally managed to conclude his incredible effort with a 1.07 advantage on José Gonçalves (Caja Rural) and 1.08 over Alessandro De Marchi (BMC), while Alex Cano, 19th at 2.48, was the best of the Escarabajos on the day.

“I believe we once more demonstrated the aggressive approach of this team, that tried to shake things up in the race day after day in this Vuelta,” Cano explained. “Personally, I was struck by the incredible number of people on both sides of the road of the Vuelta, calling our name or cheering for our country. We have enjoyed a fantastic support over three weeks, and we did our best to pay it back with our maximum effort: we really wish to thank everyone who followed us with such amazing passion.”

“Today the stage did not start the way we wanted it, as Rodolfo Torres was involved in a crash after only three kilometers, shutting down any chance for him to get in the breakaway: it would have been a good opportunity for him,” Sports Director Valerio Tebaldi told. “Fortunately Rodolfo did not suffer anything too serious, and both Carlos and Alex were very good in getting into the break and playing their chances. Unfortunately, Plaza was on a different level today.”

The "Escarabajos" could also rely on some special support today as well: in addition to Coldeportes’ Director and Colombia’s Sports Minister Andres Botero, the Colombian Embassador in Spain Fernando Carrillo Flores also saw the race from the team car.

Only the final stage stands now between the Escarabajos and the end of their first Vuelta: 97 km from Alcalà de Henares to Spanish capital Madrid, where a likely mass sprint will wrap up a tough and exciting edition of the Vuelta a Espana.