The 7th  stage of the Vuelta a España was red-circled by the sprint teams, as it was one of very few flat stages in this year’s Vuelta. It all looked as if it would end up in a bunch sprint when the duo of Gilbert and Stybar bridged away with around nine kilometers to go.

The technical final did not become less hectic, as both the GC riders and the sprinters were fighting for position in the front of the peloton. The Australian team, Orica-GreenEDGE, with green jersey wearer, Michael Matthews, were trying their best to bring in the escapees, but the circumstances were too difficult according to the Australian sprinter and winner of stage 5.

“I sort of knew an attack was coming and I wasn’t surprised that Philippe Gilbert did it. But I didn’t expect that he’d stay away. My team did a really good job to lead me out. They gave 100% but we hope for better circumstances next time."

Although the race is facing the real mountanious stages, Matthews refuses to give up and states that he will fight for the green jersey.

“I’ve had my first day in the green jersey and I’ll definitely try and defend it but it’ll be hard against the climbers. Normally, I think a climber has more chances than a sprinter to win the points classification but I’ll defend as much as I can.”