Overview

• Ayuso surged from the day’s move and sealed his first Vuelta stage victory by attacking on the final ascent to Ampríu‑Cerler.
• UAE Team Emirates controlled the front with Jay Vine setting pace for Ayuso before the Spaniard launched a decisive push about 11 km from the line.
• The 188 km stage from Andorra la Vella featured the Port del Cantó early (24.7 km at 4.4%) and a 12.1 km Cerler finish at 5.8%.
• Race directors had framed the day as a test for the general classification, with Cerler rated tougher than the previous mountain finish.
• After the Pyrenees showdown, the race shifts to a flatter Stage 8 from Monzón to Zaragoza that is expected to suit sprinters.