Winner Anacona launched a brave move in the finale of stage 4 of the Vuelta a Espana and managed to build up a 25-second advantage. Having been joined by Alejandro Valverde, however, the Colombian saw his chance vanish as several teams gave chase behind the GC contender.

With Chris Horner out of the race, Lampre-Merida have been forced to approach the Vuelta a Espana differently than planned. Part of the strategy is to ride aggressively and today the team put their offensive mindset on show.

Winner Anacona launched a great attack on the final climb and was immediately joined by Adam Yates. Later Romain Sicard and Alejandri Valverde joined the move but as several teams gave chase, they were brought back 9km from the finish.

In the end, the team took a fine 8th place with youngster Valerio Conti who reclaimed the white combination jersey.

"We did not succeed in joining the main breakaway even though this was one of our target for the day," sports director Joxean Fernandez Matxin said. "However, we could be protagonists thanks to Anacona and Conti in the final part of the stage.

"Winner's action was very good. He attacked at the right moment and the presence of Yates was good. Sicard was also a good companion but when Valverde joined the move, their hopes died because Orica chased the attackers in order to defend the red jersey of Matthews. It's a shame for Winner who did a really good job.

"It was another good performance by Conti, who followed Tony and Daniel Martin when they went to the front of the peloton. Finding himself in the front positions without Favilli on his wheel, Valerio tried to do the best in the sprint and he got the white jersey back."