The all important queen stage of the race will see two bunches of contenders: the ones still in GC contention, and the ones who will now only be going for the stage. They include:
GC Contention: Pluchkin, Moreno, Ochoa Quintero, Siutsou, Noval, Valjavec
Stage Only: Parra Bustamente, Ferrio, Marquez, Vasquez, Rodriguez
10 men tried to get away early on involving 18th overall Proni but they were chased down and instead 4 riders got away.
Gallego, Lewis, Kannemeyer and Camier.
Kannemeyer took the first KoM climb as Camier got dropped
The South African also took the 2nd climb while Siutsou, Marquez and Vasquez have got a gap on the peleton
The peleton are chasing though, Siutsou is too much of a danger. The fast pace is too much for some and Stamsnijer pops out the back of the peleton, with 9th overall Augustyn also dropped
6th overall Seledkov also was dropped in the descent of the 2nd climb.
Kannemeyer is now the only rider relaying in the break and he takes the 3rd KoM while at the foot of Climb 4, 2nd Overall William Walker is dropped from the peleton
Siutsou moves ahed of Marquez and Vasquez
But his gap on the peleton isnt big - is he wasting energy that should have been saved for the final climb?
Kannemeyer again takes full KoM points, its a missed opportunity for Gallego who could have won the KoM competition but instead only moves up to 2nd
Over the top of the climb, 3rd overall Eibegger is dropped leaving Pluchkin as the best placed rider left in the peleton
13km after the top of the 4th climb, Siutsou rejoined the peleton having been caught.
Lewis and Kannemeyer have dropped Gallego as they reach the decisive final climb
Valjavec is the first to attack from the peleton but he starts his attack a little far back
Nevertheless he gets a gap and Garate goes with him
Pluchkin waits a bit before making his move, a few others counter
Pluchkin sweeps past both Garate and Valjavec aswell as the day's break
Also making a strong move is Jackson Rodriguez of Pearl Jam
Rodriguez is 11 minutes down on the GC but is looking good today
Pluchkin catches up with him as they look to pull out an advantage on the rest. Perhaps an agreement has been made? Stage for Rodriguez, GC for Pluchkin?
Valjavec is strong though and helps to cut into the advantage
With around 2.5km to go a few big contenders for the GC cracked in quick succession. Ochoa Quintero, Siutsou and then Noval.
This gives Vasquez, Moreno and Valjavec a slight gap
But Ferrio closes down the gap
Ferrio cannot maintain the pace though, he is passed by Garate as Garate and the leading trio get a fresh gap.
With Ferrio are a few riders who have not been relaying, whether that be down to unable (Parra Bustamente) or with a teammate ahead (Zandio and Mestre)
Into the final kilometre, Pluchkin and Rodriguez went side by side but as Pluchkin sprinted away, Rodriguez cracked
Valjavec leads the battle for 3rd
Garate cant keep with it and hits the red
While behind him the recovered Ochoa Quintero, Siutsou and Proni lead the race for 7th, although could now catch Garate
As Valjavec pushes on with Vasquez just behind him, Moreno struggles and is unable to pass Rodriguez
Both Valjavec and Vasquez need time for an improved overall position - Vasquez more so than Valjavec. They are closing on Pluchkin but the Moldovan has surely secured the GC now
He also secures the stage, a great win for Pluchkin!
Valjavec cracked in the closing few metres and Vasquez was able to come across the gap and sneak a 2nd place. Im sure Valjavec wont be disappointed though as his excellent and well-judged ride today means that he finishes the race 2nd overall.
Jackson Rodriguez recovers to take 4th. He cannot take much consolation from his new GC rank of 25th though.
Florentino Marquez wasnt much visible on the final climb but as his leader struggled in the final section, he came strong to take 5th - with Jorge Ferrio of Gatorade in 6th.
Ricardo Mestre takes 7th - and 10th Overall, while Garate, Moreno and Noval are not only sprinting for 8th, but also 3rd overall.
Garate takes 8th ahead of Moreno and Noval, but it is Moreno who takes 3rd overall due probably to his more consistent high finishes in the Tour. Garate is 4th overall, Noval 5th overall.
Despite cracking for a 2nd time today in the final kilometre Ochoa Quintero and Siutsou take 6th and 7th overall respectively - although we can only wonder how well Siutsou would have done if not for wasting effort earlier in the stage.
Having won Stages 3 and 4, Tom Stamsnijder fell apart today. It was not really a surprise but a disappointment for him nonetheless. He finished the day 55th, some 16 and a half minutes behind Pluchkin. He still wins the points classification though as closest rival Moreno would have had to won todays stage to deny that of him.
