Another tough stage in the Vuelta: the fourteenth stage includes 156 km with two "especial" category races, one third and the uphill finish in Puerto de Belagua (1st category).

Kuss's red jersey group gives space to a breakaway initially made up of 24 riders ; then, after the Col d'Hourcere, a pair formed by Evenepoel and Bardet takes advantage.

The two approach the final climb with 5' on their closest pursuers and over 8' on the group. 4 km from the finish line the decisive moment : Bardet suddenly lets go of the wheels of Evenepoel who, without even sprinting, takes off towards the solitary victory that partially redeems yesterday's debacle. Bardet, despite the small crisis, finished in second place, while Van Eetvelt placed third.

The best arrive all together and postpone the fight for the general classification to the third week.

ARRIVAL ORDER:

1 EVENEPOEL Remco Soudal - Quick Step 4:13:38

2 BARDET Romain Team dsm - firmenich 1:12

3 VAN EETVELT Lennert Lotto Dstny 6:33

4 CASTROVIEJO Jonathan INEOS Grenadiers 6.35

5 STORER Michael Groupama - FDJ 7:24

6 DE LA CRUZ David Astana Qazaqstan Team 8:21

7 VLASOV Aleksandr BORA - hansgrohe 8:22

8 KUSS Sepp Jumbo-Visma,,

9 POELS Wout Bahrain - Victorious,,

10 AYUSO Juan UAE Team Emirates ,,

Photo: Sprint Cycling Agency