It looked like it would be a great stage for Amets Txurruka (Caja Rural-Seguros RGA) who was present in the day’s escape at the Vuelta a Espana. Finally, after responding to several attacks, he was unable to hold on. However, he feels better after suffering a fall in Getxo.

"I knew that the break could make it, I was in the first move of the day and again in the one that stuck," he said. "The peloton were gaining on us but we knew that we could make it. I tried to attack but I couldn’t get a gap and as I was the first to go, the others then put the responsibility on me to close the gaps and I ended up emptying myself. It was a shame.

"The positive thing is that every day I’m getting better. I came here under the weather, it has been costing me sleep and I’ve noticed it. I’m getting better and am optimistic for the second and third weeks.

“It's a pity because I don't feel well in this beginning of the Vuelta. Ever yday I feel better but I started short of form after my crash and my rib injury. In the end I missed the condition required to fight for the stage.

"We knew we had enough time to win but the peloton came so close. With 7 km to go, the car told me they were approaching, I rushed and I lost.

"Tomorrow is another chance. I thought today and tomorrow were good days for a break. Let's focus on the future. We must catch the breaks that can go all the way. We must also count on Pello Bilbao and Gonçalves for a good finale.”