Domenico Pozzovivo (Ag2r) was a surprise loser in today's stage of the Vuelta a Espana as he could only manage 21st and dropped out of the top 10 in the overall standings.

"It was one of the hardest stages I've ridden," he said. "Moreover I was not on a good day. I got caught in a split in the descent of the Collada de la Gallina, I had to work hard to get back and I paid the price. Yes I'm afraid it's over for the GC. I'm afraid I'm too far off."