Chris Froome again stayed with the best in today's stage of the Vuelta a Espana and now goes into the hardest block of racing in fourth overall. The Brit has set some personal targets that he will pursue in the coming days.

Chris Froome defended his fourth position at the Vuelta a Espana by finishing in an elite group of riders after Daniel Navarro had soloed to a plucky stage 13 success.

Froome was well protected once again on a lumpy stage featuring three classified climbs and even produced a late dig of his own before crossing the line with his main rivals in 13th position, five seconds down on the triumphant Navarro.

Navarro (Cofidis) had made his move 2.2km from home and passed Gianluca Brambilla (Omega Pharma - Quick-Step) on a steep final drag before holding off late rallies from Daniel Moreno (Katusha) and Wilco Kelderman (Belkin) to take his first win of the season by two seconds.

Froome's performance ensured he stayed 1min 20sec behind red jersey holder Alberto Contador (Tinkoff-Saxo), who still sits 20sec ahead of Alejandro Valverde (Movistar) at the top of the overall standings.

Back on the team bus Sports Director Dario Cioni was pleased with his riders' efforts heading into three brutal days of racing.

He told TeamSky.com: "Everything went to plan today and I was happy with how everyone performed. They are all working hard to support Chris and he's still in a good position ahead of these tough stages to come.

"We've got three difficult days ahead of us - especially tomorrow and Monday - which have really tough climbs at the end. Of course, you can't count out Lagos de Covadonga on Sunday either, and we'll need to be at the top of our game if we're going to stay in contention on the GC.

"[Second DS] Dan Frost has re-conned all those climbs, and although Chris hasn't ridden them himself, he's been well briefed on what is to come. He's going to take things day by day, he's set personal targets, and if he can achieve those we could be in good shape for the final stages."