Behind a terrific sttack by Skyneos’ not-leader-this-time Carapaz, there was drama all over the last ascent. The Rog is hitting his best form for week three, attacking and for the first time seeing Evenepoel not able to follow. The Belgian eveidently went into the red a bit too soon and paid for it, but recovered (how!?) and limited his losses. But losses there were. He is human after all.

Team of the Day

As Richard Carapaz grabs another stage win it’s as if a sleeping giant has been awoken after he faded in the first part of this race. And similarly the always competitive Team Ciclominaccia are rising from an uncharacteristically dormant start to the Vuelta to begin what could be a storming last week, perhaps? Stephen’s picks were the toast of Stage 14, with more to come I’m sure.

A look at the total mini-league points shows that there are seven teams in with a shout near the top, and the differences through the whole league are not totally insuperable. A few more good days and with enough riders staying upright, 1000 point swings are not out of the question.