Having entered the final mountain stage of the Ruta del Sol with the podium within reach, Romain Bardet finished in 8th place in a very difficult stage after suffering a puncture four kilometers from the finish. 

"We do not know if Roman had victory in his legs but he was still near the top after having been helped by Jan (Bakelants) at the time of his puncture," sports director Julien Jurdie said. "It's a shame for the podium (Bardet is 5th overall, ed.), but the results are good. The team showed great things during the week."