Kléber Da Silva (FUN) took a surprise victory in the most demanding finish of the 9th Tour de San Luis, over the 16 long kilometers of the Filo Sierras Comechingones after another 100km full of speed and fighting spirit from the very start in Achiras, Córdoba. The Brazilian completed an incredible ascent, after pushing for his team leader and orange jersey holder Dani Díaz for most of the climb, by outsprinting the 4-man selection in the final kilometer. Once again, Nairo Quintana responded with his current form and completed another notable performance in his 2015 debut race.

The Colombian, always well protected by his Movistar team-mates until the foot of the climb - the Blues even made it into the opening attacks as yesterday's winner Adriano Malori rode for a brief period in the early break - showed his usual courage to end a fine performance in the 'puntana' mountains by jumping away with 9km to go, even before the summit of the traditional Mirador del Sol. Quickly countered by the race leader, the 12-man group of favourites rode defensively and conserved their GC places before tomorrow's sprint. Díaz, Torres (COL, 2nd, +1'02") and Quintana (+1'35") are just 122km away from their trophies.

“I attacked strongly once with eight kilometres to go but I didn’t have the strength to go again. It was a tough climb and there weren’t a lot of options to attack, especially because of all the wind, and because my rivals were very strong,” Quintana told Cyclingews. “I’m not happy with how the stage went because I didn’t really do anything.

“I think overall it went very well because I had gone a long time without racing, more than four months so it’s quite satisfying to be on the podium, no? 

“Yes, I’m very happy. Diaz and his team were very strong but my points of reference are with the European riders and in that context, I think I’m at a good level considering what is to come.

“I’m calm,“ explained Nairo to Tuttobiciweb. “I launched only one attack, mainly as a bit of a test for myself, and later chose to ride steady, on the wheel of my rivals, which have proven to be really strong this week. I’m neither really happy nor disappointed with the final result; I’m just feeling calm and satisfied, because I completed some days of good work in the beginning of my Tour preparations.”