Resplendent in the yellow jersey, the Colombian attacked his rivals with 4.3 kilometres to go on the Alto de Uzartza, opening out an impressive gap of 10 seconds at one point.

After a desperate chase from the elite group behind, the race came back together on the brief descent into Arrate, with Henao taking fifth place on the stage as the leaders all finished on the same time.

With no bonus seconds for stage winner Joaquim Rodriguez (Katusha), higher placings in the opening two sprint stages continue to benefit Henao, with the 27 year old retaining the jersey despite being level on time with Rodriguez and Nairo Quintana (Movistar).

Both Katusha and Movistar put a man up the road in the closing stages, forcing David Lopez to chase before Henao, realising the situation, accelerated hard and bridged across to Ilnur Zakarin (Katusha). Driving over the top of the first-category climb the Team Sky rider received no help from the Russian, and the action came back together for the final 1.7km.

Early on a sizeable early break was chased down by the peloton, causing a rapid and difficult start on the way out of Zumarraga. Eventually the powerful duo of Tom Danielson (Cannondale-Garmin) and Tony Martin (Etixx – Quick-Step) prevailed heading into the second half of the 162.2km stage.

It was Team Sky who committed to setting the pace, keeping the move at arm’s length, before Movistar hit the front to help push things along in the closing stages. Henao headed into the stage holding the slenderest of advantages, level on time with both Rodriguez and Quintana after his day three heroics.

On the penultimate climb it was Lampre-Merida who lit it up on the Alto de San Miguel, with a number of teams clearly motivated to make the race hard. Flanked by Vasil Kiryienka and Lopez heading onto the final climb, Henao sat in the bunch until he was forced to make his move, expressing himself on the bike to earn another day in yellow.

"I tried because I had good legs," he told Biciciclismo. "You have to attack to see how your rivals are. Winning is complicated, many things have to come together. The team did a great job and that gives me peace. Movistar made a great wear, but my teammates controlled the race.

"We're in the fight, which is important, and I'm happy. Now I will enjoy every moment of this opportunity. We have the lead and we will fight to get the title."

The Colombian still leads, but warns that that "we are in the same time. Joaquim Rodríguez and Quintana and are two of the best riders in the world.

"I have a good feeling to fight for the Vuelta. Until the last day, nothing will be decided. I know that tomorrow's stage will be very demanding. The time trial is on a nice course and I hope to have good legs."