Etixx - Quick-Step rider Carlos Verona continued his protagonistic ways at 185km La Vuelta a España Stage 16 on Monday, finishing 7th out of a 10-man breakaway that was given a big time advantage. The group eventually splintered heading into the third consecutive summit finish of La Vuelta.

Frank Schleck (Trek Factory Racing) won solo, eventually leaving Rodolfo Andres Torres (Team Colombia) behind on the steep slopes of the HC summit finish after the two attacked their fellow break mates with 20.8km left to race. The gap was still 10'57" to the peloton.

Moreno Moser (Cannondale-Garmin) finished 3rd. Verona crossed 4'26" down on the stage winner, concluding a long day in the high mountains, on the last stage before the final rest day of La Vuelta.

The GC favorites attacked each other on the final climb, exploding what was left of the peloton. Gianluca Brambilla stayed with the group as long as he could, finishing 24th in the stage. As a result of the Italian rider's big effort, he moved up one position to 12th in the overall classification. Joaquim Rodriguez (Katusha) took over the race lead by one second, as he finished two seconds ahead of red jersey wearer Fabio Aru (Astana) in the stage.

"Disappointed about my 7th position today but I gave my all and 6 riders were stronger, so after all I am happy. Chapeau @schleckfrank," Verona tweeted after the stage.