Today the 18th stage of Vuelta a Espana took place from Burgos to Pena Cabarga. Joaquín Rodriguez was able to cross the finish line in 8th position. At the end Katusha Team did a great job and Rodriguez attacked in the steepest part of the final climb.

But the rivals were able to close the gap in the final part. Chris Horner (RadioShack-Leopard) gained some seconds to the other favourites.

“I keep trying to improve my position overall but it’s going to be very difficult. I have suffered a lot today but I had to try doing something. We wanted to play and attack from far but Horner and Nibali are stronger. Movistar also tried to race for some bonus time but failed to bring the breakaway back.”

The stage was taken by Vasil Kiriyenka (Sky) at the end of a long breakaway. The Sky rider attacked with more than 40 km to go and was able to keep the lead of the stage until the end of the finish line. Chris Anker Sørensen (Saxo Bank-Tinkoff) crossed the finish line as number two, 28 seconds behind, while Adam Hansen (Lotto-Belisol) took the last place of the podium 1 minute and 18 seconds behind.

Rodriguez was able to stay with Horner and Nibali in the end, but Horner did an incredible attack in the last km and nobody could follow him. The leader of RadioShack-Leopard took the 6th place, 1 minute and 53 seconds behind Kiriyenka. Joaquín Rodriguez crossed the finish line right ahead of Valverde and was eight, 2 minutes and 13 seconds behind; while Vincenzo Nibali was tenth, 5 seconds behind the two Spaniards.

The GC leader Vincenzo Nibali (Astana) suffered but was able to keep the red jersey for just 3 seconds in front of Horner. Alejandro Valverde (Movistar) was in trouble after the attack by Katusha Team, but he was able to close the gap in the final meters and he still holds the third place, 1minute and 9 seconds behind Nibali. Rodriguez is fourth, 2 minutes and 24 seconds behind Nibali.