The organizers again scheduled a heavy stage just before the rest day in th Vuelta a Espana. Three ascents need to be climbed in the final 35 kilometres, preceeded by a spicy first part of the stage. Will it remain exciting at the top of the GC? Will the break make it ? What does Maxime Monfort expects today?

“In the stages with an uphill finish it’s often the case that the GC riders aim for the stage win," he said "Although I’ve noticed that it’s different in this Vuelta. The stage begins with an ascent of 14 kilometres, so not everyone is able to be in a break.

"For me, this Grand Tour is a new experience. In the past I was leader or I rode for the leader. In this Vuelta, I try to assist Bart De Clercq as well as I can for his aim for a top ten place and I was already in the break twice. I thought that I was in the right break yesterday but unfortunately we were caught. In the second part of a Grand Tour I mostly feel good, so I’m certainly going to try something.”