Alexey Lutsenko launched a strong attack in the finale of today's stage of the Vuelta a Espana. The former U23 world champion has made the Kazakh one-day race Tour of Almaty a big goal and used today's race to test his condition.

“Compared to the Tour last year my form at the Vuelta is better, and I’m ready to come back to Almaty to try and win at home," Alexey Lutsenko said after stage 19 at the Vuelta a España.

Lutsenko attacked solo out of a fast group of leaders and built a lead of more than 15 seconds over the second to last climb, but was caught before the last ascent. The U23 World Champion from 2012 relaxed to conserve energy before the finish, crossing the line more than three minutes after stage winner Adam Hansen of Australia.

Lutsenko will next race the World Championships later in the month as part of Astana’s Team Time Trial squad, and then travel with teammates back to Kazakhstan for the Tour of Almaty one-day race on 5 Oct.

Fabio Aru finished with the race leaders to preserve his fifth place overall in General Classification with two days of competition remaining in the Vuelta – including a 9km individual time trial on Sunday.