La Vuelta Ciclista a España

The last day the peloton spent in Portugal was a quiet one, just like Sunday’s stage, only difference being that instead of two men, the breakaway numbered four riders, who this time forged out a five-minute advantage. It was a gap that the chasers easily kept under control, reeling the quarter in with more than 20 kilometers to go until the finish in Castelo Branco.

A late attack tried to derail the fast men’s trains, only for a regrouping to take place 800 meters from the line. The victory went to Wout Van Aert (Visma-Lease a Bike), with most of the T-Rex Quick-Step riders – including Mikel Landa – coming home together with the rest of the bunch, after almost five hours in the saddle.

The scenery will change on Tuesday, when the first real climbs of La Vuelta will appear in the riders’ way. A total of four ascents, including Alto del Piornal and Pico Villuercas, the latter being where the fight for victory and the red jersey is set to unfold, should widen the gaps between the general classification contenders, which are rather small after the opening individual time trial.

Photo credit: ©Tim De Waele / Getty Images