Our start will take us away from the sea, and quickly uphill where no riders showed the strength make a move.

The first real attack comes from Ivanov who makes his move on as soon as the downhill starts.

His attack wouldn't last long though as he would be caught at the base of the 2nd climb and we would have to start all over looking for a new breakaway.

Our new and lasting breakaway would finally form on the second climb of the day. Teammates Reguigui and Antunes with Hatsuyama, Hirschlein, Affonso, Eyob, and our original hopeful, Ivanov.

The peloton quickly gets organized however, with Desigual and Campari/Asahi taking control.

Our breakaway has survived into the town of Malabo where we take a couple laps before the climb up Pico Basile. 3'22" ahead of the peloton.

Our helicopter watches them turn into town for the second time, still holding on, but now only 2'33" ahead of the Desigual led peloton.

We wondered why the helicopter had left the lead group, and it was for this! Carlsburg has dropped back for a small second group one minute behind the peloton. Garby struggled on the first lap and has work to do to catch back up. Costagli is also in this group explaining the Rakuten presence.

The climb up Pico Basile starts, and the breakaway is mearly holding on at this point as Barta, shameless plug an Azteca loanee, pulls the pelton within striking range.

We get our first attacks out of the breakaway, led by Affonso with Hatsuyama on his wheel, and Eyob.

There are some new colors coming to the front of the peloton with Kraftwerk's black tie kits moving their man Dominik Nerz into position.

The last of the breakaway as Hatsuyama goes from front to back. Belerusian champion Koshevoy leading the peloton for ISA-Hexacta.

Only 47 riders remain at this point with 16 kilometers still to climb

Oh no! That is the jersey of Seboka champion of Lesotho the first of the favorites who can't keep the pace. Tough ride after both Garby and Costagli have rejoined the lead group.

With 12km left to go, 8th place finisher from last year Nazaret comes to the front to set the tempo but not sure where Tenorio is!

Thankfully a shot from our helicopter crew was able to spot him, near the back of the group however.

Now our first major attack! Penasa launches with just over 10km left to climb.

The peloton is kept in line and closes down Penasa with some terrific work from Martinez.

A long line of riders now as good climbers are being dropped with every stroke of the pedal. ISA-Hexacta has no sympathy as Ji takes over in front.

6.5km left to go, and Dan Martin hits the front, reducing us down to 13 riders in the lead group.

Falling behind we quickly see Marquez and Nerz. The small group behind containing, Roglic, Valls, and Abal.

Fireworks again as Penasa who had only been sitting at the back to recover launches. Martin quick to his wheel.

No response from the remaining group! The duo are now riding away with 5km remaining to the summit!

Penasa runs out of gas, an effort too much. Martin now takes off on his own, and leading the small group back is now Tenorio.

Leading the small group might have been a reach, more like riding his own race would have been better as Tenorio goes alone to chase Martin.

Kilometers tick off very slowly now, as 5 has gone to 4, 3, and now 2 kilometers left.

Two has become one as the pair use everything left in this dual.

Just one kilomter too far for Martin as Tenorio is able to cruise across the line with his rival completely out of gas.

Behind them Uran finishes the podium. While Choi just edges Machado for 4th.

Time gaps loom large as riders have given their all up this challenging climb.