Team Sky's Sergio Henao won the third stage of the Vuelta Ciclista al Pais Vasco (Tour Of The Basque Country) this afternoon.
A 164km stage from yesterday's finish at Vitoria (Gasteiz) to Trapagaran was install for the riders who included yesterday's race winner Darryl Impey and race leader Francesco Gavazzi.
Several riders tried to escape but were pulled back and after 35 kms, the peloton was altogether.
A break did succeed led by Amets Txurruka who had been the breaks on the previous two days including a solo escape on the second stage. Landa of Euskatel, Bardet of AG2R, Frare & Navarro went with him and they built a three minute lead.
With 65kms, that was out to five minutes but down to four, some twenty kilometres later.
Onto the Larreineta climb which had an average gradient of 6.1% and featured a fenicular railway, the gap was 2.45.
Frare was shred as the four escapers had a lead of 28 seconds witn 13.6kms to go.
Four kilometres later, they were caught and at speeds of 35kmph, Astana and Orica Green Edge took to the front.
It was uphill all the way to the finish as the final Lalejena climb had gradients of 21%.
Under three kilometres to go, Betancur and Jan Paulo Caruso were away on the main road. Astanta's Dyachenko set after them.
On the final climb in front of big crowds, Team Sky's Sergio Henao got past up to the duo. Henao and Carlos Betancur went shoulder to shoulder but Henao was given the win in a time of 3.54.22.
Caruso was third with Quintana fourth and Contador sixth.
Henao now leads the race from Qunitana by five seconds with Richie Porte a further five seconds back.
.
.
.