Simon Geschke said after stage 3 that he would try again today in the breakaway at the Ruta del Sol, and try he did, getting onto the final climb of the day before finally being caught by the chasing bunch.

Geschke was a part of a seven rider move that raced clear in the first half of the stage which was once again billed as a GC contenders day. This group pulled out over five minutes advantage before splitting in the final 45km with their lead falling. Geschke moved clear with one other and the two of them set about pushing out their advantage once again back over the three minute marker.

As the riders started to climb in the final seven kilometres Geschke's breakaway companion, Selvaggi (Wanty-Groupe Gobert), pulled clear to push on alone with Geschke behind quickly looking ground before being swallowed up by the leaders behind. Selvaggi was eventually caught in the final kilometre as the GC favourites attacked each other on the steep finishing slopes, with the stage win and GC lead going to Chris Froome (Sky).

It was a step closer than the previous day for Geschke , and his efforts were enough to move into the lead Meta Volante jersey ahead of tomorrow’s final stage that features a short sharp uphill finish.

“It was another tough stage today with a profile that was always up and down,” confirmed coach Christian Guiberteau. “After trying in the break yesterday we wanted to race offensively again today and Simon was once again the one who made the break. It was a long fight to get away though for 50km so he did a good job to get in there.

“He managed to get the Meta Volantes jersey too and pushed on right until the end before being caught with around 3km to go. It was another good day to show the jersey and show that we can fight not just in the sprints here. Tomorrow’s final stage could be another chance for John but it will be a tough finish hill so we will study that and make a good plan ahead of the stage.”