Joaquim Rodriguez (Katusha) finished 3rd in today's third stage of the Vuelta and so picked up 4 bonus seconds. The Spaniard had tried to bridge across to eventual winner Chris Horner (Radioshack) but failed in his mission.

Chris Horner got much deserved attention during the final kilometre of the third stage of the Vuelta as Espana but what tv viewers didn't know was that the race favourites were testing each other out a little further down the climb. Joaquim Rodriguez attacked his rivals and tried to bridge across to Horner but was ultimately successful.

The Katusha leader was beaten by Alejandro Valverde (Movistar) in the sprint for 2nd but his 3rd place allowed him to pick up 4 bonus seconds. He is gradually moving up on GC after his bad team time trial and is now 18th overall, 56 seconds behind new race leader Horner.

Despite his failed attack, Rodriguez was happy with his sensations.

“When I attacked I thought I could catch Horner but to tell the truth he did a great job in the last km," he said. "I did my best to take the second because the time bonuses can make the difference but Valverde was faster than me. Anyways, I’m very satisfied with my shape if you take into account that I haven't raced since the end of the Tour de France."

Rodriguez will now have to survive a couple of flatter stages until the GC battle kicks off in earnest on Saturday. Starting at 15.00 you can follow tomorrow's stage on CyclingQuotes.com/live.