Team Sky's Bradley Wiggins fared much better however. The East Londoner, caught up with a three man break after 18 kilometres and kept the break going until they were swept up by a group which contained race leader Michael Rogers from HTC-Colombia.
As the 161.4km stage came to a close in Antequera, Francisco Ventoso took the victory with Michael Rogers, who finished third taking the over all classification.
"It was a pretty tough day but the team were super and we never panicked," said Rogers to the HTC Colombia Press Office after the race.
SKY Professional Cycling Team's Steve Cummings in fifteenth place was the top Brit with Bradley Wiggins finishing in 48th in the General Classification.