The seventh stage of the Vuelta, from La Vall d'Uixó to the Observatorio Astrofísico de Javalambre, is characterized by a maxi breakaway that is released in the early stages of the race: 39 riders including names of the caliber of Landa , Kuss , L . Martinez , Soler , Kamna , Carthy , Cras and Bardet .

The red-shirted group makes room for the attackers in the first phase, conceding over 6', then Movistar and Ineos, absent with men from the standings in the leading group, begin to work to reduce the disadvantage. The fugitives approach Pico de Buitre, the final climb of 11.1 km at 7.8%, with an almost 4' margin over the group pulled by Evenepoel's men.

The first to start in front is Rubio, followed by Martinez, Bardet and Kuss, while in the group of captains Roglic attacks and puts Evenepoel in difficulty .

With 3 km to go, Kuss remains alone in the lead of the race, while a trio forms behind with Roglic, Vingegaard and Mas. Kuss maintains the advantage over his pursuers and goes on to win, behind him the French couple Martinez-Bardet with the first one taking the red jersey. The Jumbo duo Roglic-Vingegaard arrive with a delay of 2'52”, while Evenepoel recovers in the final climb and closes at 3'23”.

In the general standings, the French Lenny Martinez leads with 8" on Kuss and 51" on Soler. Evenepoel, Mas, Vingegaard, Roglic and Ayuso enclosed in very few seconds between 2'47" and 3'08".

ARRIVAL ORDER:

1 KUSS Sepp Jumbo-Visma 4:27:29

2 MARTINEZ Lenny Groupama - FDJ 0:26

3 BARDET Romain Team dsm - firmenich 0:31

4 LANDA Mikel Bahrain - Victorious 0:46

5 SOLER Marc UAE Team Emirates ,,

6 POELS Wout Bahrain - Victorious 1:03

7 RUBIO Einer Augusto Movistar Team 1:05

8 RODRÍGUEZ Cristián Team Arkéa Samsic 1:12

9 CRAS Steff TotalEnergies ,,

10 CEPEDA Jefferson Alveiro Caja Rural - Seguros RGA 1:26

Photo: Sprint Cycling Agency