Nordhagen and Visma | LaB show their strength, but see unleashed Yates and UAE strike double in O Gran Camiño

For a brief moment, it appeared to be Nordhagen who had taken the lead in the standings on Thursday, in the stage won by Ivan Romeo (Movistar). However, following an error by the organisation, it was the Italian Pinarello who was permitted to start in the leader's jersey on Friday. Friday's stage was set to be the first truly tough test of the Spanish five-day race, as the short and relatively gentle climbs made way for longer and, above all, much steeper ascents.

On the penultimate climb, the front group splintered and Visma | Lease a Bike took control of the peloton. Consequently, the leaders were quickly caught, and at 14 kilometres from the finish, it was also the signal for George Bennett (NSN) to launch an attack. Anton Schiffer joined him on behalf of Visma | Lease a Bike.

Representing UAE, it was Kevin Vermaerke who made the bridge on the opening slopes. It must be said: Bennett had actually taken all the leading work at the front upon himself. On the steepest sections, the leaders were subsequently caught by an unleashed Yates. Nordhagen continued to ride at his own pace, but the Briton from UAE had kicked on.

However, his gap was not very large. The Norwegian from Visma | Lease a Bike seemed to be drawing slightly closer to Yates at times, while Pinarello also did not give up without a fight. Nevertheless, no one saw the UAE Briton again, and thus the veteran sped to the day's victory. Additionally, he took over the leader's jersey. Nordhagen eventually finished second and holds that same second place in the general classification.