Damiano Cunego had started today's time trial of the Vuelta al Pais Vasco in third overall but he always knew that it would be an uphill battle to defend his position. As expected, he dropped down the overall standings and ended up missing out on the top 10 with the tiniest of margins.

After some disappointing seasons, Damiano Cunego has returned to his best form at the Vuelta al Pais Vasco and when he started today's time trial, he found himself in third overall. However, the individual discipline has never been his preferred one and so there was a great risk that he would drop down the order during the stage.

Two years ago Cunego did the TT of his life in the Basque race when he finished 5th on a very hilly and technical course. Despite having two climbs, however, this year's route was a more straightforward affair that didn't do the Italian many favours.

Cunego did a good ride to finish 20th but it was not enough to defend his position in the top 10. In the end he moved down to 11th, missing the final spot in the top 10 by less than a second.

"In Vuelta al Pais Basco I did good performances that confirmed to me that I'm at a good level of competitiveness," he said. "I was aware that the final time trial could penalize me since it was more suitable for time trialists and it was not similar to the one in which I did so well some years ago here in Pais Vasco.

"It's a pity to miss the top ten despite having the same time as Poels. In the past stages, I always fought on the same level of those riders that today have finished on the podium, so I'm happy with my competitiveness on the climbs."