Daniel Diaz (Funvic) put in a dominant showing to beat his rivals by almost a minute at the top of the Alto de Amago, with his teammate Alex Diniz, Rodolfo Torres (Colombia) and Nairo Quintana (Movistar Team) being his nearest chasers. The Argentine now faces tomorrow's time trial with confidence.

"I'm in the best shape of my life," said the Argentine at the top of the climb. "Physically and mentally I've matured a lot and I'm having a good feeling," added the rider who won the race in 2013 and was second in 2012.

About the final climb, he said. "Nairo Quintana attacked from the bottom of the climb. Then I joined with my teammate Diniz. Nario attacked again and we were down to three riders. With 4km to go, I attacked and went solo."

Diaz is now has confidence for Friday's time trial in San Luis even though the 17.4km against the clock are not his specialty. "It was a key stage, he continued, "but fortunately the team was controlling the peloton and left me in the best position for the finale. I could respond to the attacks from Nairo and the rest. I realized I had legs and went for the win. Luckily we got a good advantage to be confidence for the time trial. Even though I lose a little to the specialists I'll be fine. Also in Saturday's stage. I can allow myself to lose a minute."

The Argentine, 25, went to Spain in 2010 when he joined Café Baqué and he was great protagonist on the amateur scene. He was even stagiare at Footon-Servetto. In 2011 he joined the French La Pomme team and from 2012 to 2014 he raced in his country at the San Luis tenán. He won the Tour de San Luis in 2013 and was second in 2012 but last year he could only manage 41st.

"In the past I have raced in France at La Pomme Marseille, in my first year as a pro. I learned a lot from that experience, I would not mind returning to racing in your continent," he told Tuttobiciweb at the finish.