Isaac Del Toro’s lead was reduced to 26 seconds ahead of British rider Simon Yates and 31 seconds ahead of Richard Carapaz.

With no time-trialling remaining, and 22,000m of climbing scheduled for the final week, Carapaz is now arguably the race favourite.

The EF Education-EasyPost racer ripped away from Del Toro shortly after another GC challenger, former Giro podium finisher, Simon Yates (Visma-Lease a Bike), had tested the water on two occasions. Neither of the Briton's moves could actually shake Del Toro, though, but Carapaz's move, 7.5 kilometres from the top, was another story altogether.