Stage 19 Results:
1) Thomas De Gendt (BEL) - Lotto Soudal
2) Jarlinson Pantano (COL) - Trek - Segafredo
3) Ivan Garcia (ESP) - Bahrain - Merida
4) Rui Costa (POR) - UAE Team Emirates
5) Floris De Tier (BEL) - LottoNL Jumbo
GC Standings after Stage 19:
1) Chris Froome (GBR) - Team Sky | 75:51:51
2) Vincenzo Nibali (ITA) - Bahrain - Merida | + 0:01:37
3) Wilco Kelderman (NED) - Team Sunweb | + 0:02:17
4) Ilnur Zakarin (RUS) - Katusha - Alpecin | + 0:02:29
5) Alberto Contador (ESP) - Trek - Segafredo | + 0:03:34
Thomas De Gendt claims stage victory from the breakaway, as the main GC contenders all finish together and look to conserve energy for tomorrow's big mountain stage.
Chris Froome safely kept his race lead in the Vuelta and there was no change to the general classification at the end of the day, despite more attacks from the Spaniard Alberto Contador. The Briton finished in the main peleton to retain his 1 minute 37 second advantage over Vincenzo Nibali, with only two stages remaining.
Belgium's De Gendt took the stage victory, beating the likes of Jarlinson Pantano and Ivan Garcia in a sprint finish.
Today's stage unfolded as expected, with big names such as Romain Bardet and Matteo Trentin deciding to join the break. King of the Mountains jersey holder Villella was very active within, taking maximum mountain points over the day's opening category climb - extending his KOM lead over Chris Froome.
Saturday’s penultimate stage is the last mountain stage, ending in style with a gruelling ascent of the Alto de l’Angliru. It is the last chance for the general classification riders to try and gain time on their rivals before Sunday’s flat final stage into Madrid.
Keep posted for more stage reports!