Carlos seventh in searing Spain

Carlos Rodriguez sprinted to seventh place on stage nine of La Vuelta, after another searing day in southern Spain.

The day was on from the flag drop, with Oscar Rodriguez getting into the stage’s 26 man breakaway. The first of a trio of Category One climbs were taken at a high pace, and the peloton was down to just the GC riders, including Carlos, as they crested the summit.

Unfortunately, Josh Tarling slipped out on a technical descent, and, while he was initially able to carry on, the Welshman would abandon a few kilometres later.

Back in the GC group and Oscar would drop back to help close the gap to Adam Yates (UAE Team Emirates) - who had gone solo from nearly 60 kilometres out, and was quickly making up ground overall.

A crash from a competitor at the foot of the final climb threatened to derail Carlos’ day, but a poised reaction saw the local Grenadier back in the GC group quickly after being forced almost to a standstill. Over the top of the climb and just a handful of riders remained as they chased down Yates. The Brit would take the stage after an impressive solo ride.

As they entered the finale, Carlos put in a strong sprint to come home seventh on the stage, moving himself up to ninth overall as the peloton rolls into the first rest day.