The Vuelta's route management team seem to have been unable to resist including a climb late on in what otherwise would have been a perfect stage for the sprinters, who continue to have a hard time throughout Spain's grand tour. Today's cat 3 test is not overly tough but the twisting roads that feature all day support the belief that this is a day on which a break could survive to the finish.
With the first mountain test to follow the next day, the main contenders may be quite happy to allow one of the lesser lights from a team seeking momentary breakaway glory to take the red jersey, knowing that it is sure to come back to one of them imminently. The gently rising finish in the beautiful city of Ronda will be spectacular.
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As it happened: Stage 7 of Tour de Suisse comes down to sprint between GC favourites
The peloton tackles two tough climbs in the final 30km of the 207.5km stage into Emmetten -
Tour de Suisse: João Almeida fastest on uphill final to win stage 7 in Emmetten
Oscar Onley takes second place, Kévin Vauquelin caught at the line but holds on for third and maintains overall race lead into the final time trial on Sunday -
Racing the savannahs and wildlife trails of Kenya – Haley Hunter Smith and Lukas Baum win four-stage Migration Gravel Race
Hunter Smith holds off powerful chase from early leader Xaverine Nirere in women's race as Baum fights back from flat on final stage to retain lead ahead of defending champion Hans Becking -
Thibau Nys out of Baloise Belgium Tour due to gastrointestinal trouble but Tour de France not at risk
'Our selection has not been announced yet, but we are not worried' says Lidl-Trek DS Maxime Monfort
