No one could keep up with Huang Chong's attack, and no one dared to try.
He launched his attack 3 km from the summit of Hazallanas Mountain. Although the gradient eased the closer he got to the top, the average gradient over this 1 km was still as high as 9.2%.
After the earlier climbing had drained them, every rider in the peloton was already exhausted. Simply making sure they did not crack required their utmost effort.
So when they saw Huang Chong ride away, Ben O'Connor and Mas could only give up on following.
Although neither of them wanted to admit it, nor could they admit it in front of the media, they both knew deep down that if this Vuelta a España finished in a normal fashion, neither of them would likely have any hope of overturning the overall standings.
Of course, there were still two weeks left in the race. Whether any accidents or unexpected incidents might occur along the way was impossible to say.
In short, before a race was truly over, even if there were only 10 km remaining, a professional rider could not give up in advance.
Because competitive sports were, by their very nature, where miracles were proven possible.
"Huang, beautifully done. After this stage, you'll most likely pull another two minutes or so away from the peloton containing O'Connor and Mas.
"With a four-minute lead over second place and a seven-minute lead over third heading into the second week, things will be much easier for us.
"On the long descent ahead, just ride steadily to the finish. Don't attack again.
"Only Adam Yates and Carapaz remain ahead of you now. They are about two minutes and three minutes ahead of you respectively.
"Trying to make up such a large gap on the