165 kilometers at full speed... yet not coming down to a bunch sprint. The Vuelta a Burgos is still missing a pure sprinter winning after stage three witnessed Russian Vladimir Isaychev (KAT) crowning a five-man early breakaway. The peloton, led into a late chase by Astana and AG2R La Mondiale, was unable to take down an effort which started the final 10km with a 45-second gap, reduced to 15" at the line.

Before that, two splits in crosswinds commanded by GC leader Luis León Sánchez created a selection in the bunch, with five of the Movistar Team staying in the front: Herrada, Fernández, Anacona - still in seventh, ninth, tenth overall respectively - Dayer Quintana and Giovanni Visconti. The squad directed by Chente García Acosta will try to improve their situation in the Valle del Sol climb tomorrow (Cat-3; 3.7km at about 7% average), before the Lagunas de Neila settle things down on Saturday.