Omega Pharma - Quick-Step Cycling Team rider Gianni Meersman made an original breakaway group, and was also the top finisher for the team in 186.8km Stage 10 of La Vuelta a España, from Torredelcampo to Guejar Sierra (Alto de Hazallanas) on Monday.
Meersman finished 51st, as the peloton was down to just a handful of riders on the final ascent on Alto de Hazallanas (15.8km, 5% average gradient, 18% max ramp). Tomasz Marczynski (Vacansoleil-DCM) was the only rider left of the breakaway, and even he was caught by a group that contained all the top GC contenders. However, Daniel Moreno (Katusha) was dropped due to the high pace on the final climb, losing the leader's jersey to Chris Horner (Radioshack-Leopard). Horner attacked with 4.5km to go and went on to win solo — 48" faster than Vincenzo Nibali (Astana) and 1'02" faster than 3rd place finisher Alejandro Valverde (Movistar Team). Moreno finished 2'22" back.
OPQS looks next to a rest day tomorrow.