Omega Pharma - Quick-Step Cycling Team rider Serge Pauwels was the top finisher in the 186.5km Stage 18 of La Vuelta a España on Thursday, placing 34th.
Vasil Kiryienka (Sky ProCycling) won solo after attacking the 15-rider breakaway of the day on the Alto del Caracol. Chris Anker Sorensen (Saxo-Tinkoff) was 2nd, and Adam Hansen (Lotto-Belisol) was 3rd. There was another big moment in the race, as GC contender Chris Horner (Radioshack-Leopard) gained time on race leader Vincenzo Nibali (Astana) after dropping him on the final 5.9km climb of the stage, inside the final 2km. Horner now trails by just 3" in the GC. Pauwels crossed the line 4'37" back from the stage winner Kiryienka.
OPQS looks next to a 181km Stage 19 on Friday.