Daniel Moreno entered today’s stage wearing the leader’s jersey, but he lost it on the brutally steep Alto de Hazallanes as he suffered in the sweltering heat and had to try his best to limit his losses.

“To tell the truth I had good feelings today,” Moreno said, “but in the end I suffered from the length of the course and the hot temperature even if I usually like warm weather. In fact, on the last climb I had a food crisis and I felt empty. I'm disappointed but the competition is still very long and both Joaquím [Rodriguez] and I are in a good position to fight for the final victory until the end.”

Joaquím Rodriguez finished 5th on the punishing ascent, losing 1’02” to Chris Horner (RadioShack-Leopard) who took his second stage win in the Vuelta this year.

“I was in a great shape until 4 km to go,” Rodriguez explained, “especially on the steepest part of the climb I felt brilliant. Then, all of a sudden, I started to feel weaker and weaker: maybe I had a food crisis. Anyways, I think my shape is improving and I'm happy about that.

Unfortunately today we lost Losada due to a crash: he's a very important rider for us, especially during the mountain stages, and I'm really sorry for him.”

Rodriguez and Moreno lie 5th and 6th respectively in the general classification, trailing Horner by 1.40” and 2’04 before Tuesday’s rest day.