Omega Pharma - Quick-Step Cycling Team kept at least one of the top GC contenders at bay in the 196.3km Stage 9 of La Vuelta a Espana on Sunday, marking Alberto Contador (Saxo Bank- Tinkoff Bank) — 3rd place overall — when he tried an attack in the final kilometers.
However, GC leader Joaquin Rodriguez (Katusha Team) countered an attack by Alessandro Ballan (BMC Racing Team) on the beginning of the final climb with 4km to go. The only rider able to bridge to the Red Jersey wearer was Philippe Gilbert (BMC Racing Team) who launched as a counter to his teammate being caught.
The duo worked together to stay away, and Gilbert won the stage while Rodriguez gained time on the other top GC contenders. Paolo Tiralongo (Astana Pro Team) was 3rd.
Kevin De Weert was the top finisher for OPQS, in 21st place.
OPQS, and the rest of the peloton, will much appreciate the rest day on Monday after the first week of hard racing at La Vuelta.