Team Saxo-Tinkoff's Chris Anker Sørensen was in the mood for another attack during yesterday's 186.5 kilometre long 18th stage of Vuelta a España, which included five climbs from Burgos to Pena Cabarga where he made it into the long breakaway.

Despite digging deep on the uphill finish, Sørensen was unable to match Kiryienka who was just invincible on the day. Taking the runner-up spot was a disappointment to the Dane who admitted that he underestimated the stamina of Kiryenka, believing that the Sky rider would be unable to maintain his pace and stay clear to solo to victory.

“I’m disappointed,” he said. “In my career, I have seven or eight second places… It’s frustrating. It’s good to race at the front but not winning is painful. I followed the plan. I felt that Vassil Kiryienka went too early. I should have followed him. It’s my mistake.”