Heading from Archidona to Cordoba, the peloton would take on mostly flat roads but with a sting in the tail as the only categorised climb of the stage, the Alto del 14%, would crest with roughly 25 kilometres to go. Team dsm-firmenich PostNL set out with the goal of trying to double up with fast finisher Pavel Bittner, but the team knew that would all depend on the pace up the final climb. With the lone breakaway rider caught, the GC teams then set a fervent pace that matched the searing temperatures and soon the bunch began to disintegrate as riders dropped in groups. After some strong support by Chris Hamilton and Martijn Tusveld deep onto the climb, Max Poole rode well to make it over the top in the group of around 30. Some more attacks flew but eventually the race came down to a reduced group sprint where Poole showed some speed to take a solid ninth place on the stage.
Speaking after the stage Team dsm-firmenich PostNL coach Phil West said: “It was another really hot stage out there but I think we came through it in a good way, so compliments to our staff group and cooling team for helping the guys to get through it. Sportive wise, we came into the day with the goal to sprint with Pavel and keep Max safe, but we knew that the last climb could be raced hard and that’s exactly what happened. Pavel dug really deep and did well to get as far as he did and survive better than some competitors but in the end it was too much. After some good work by the guys, Max made it over the top of the climb in the front group in a good way and came in to the finish with the main bunch. He showed some good legs and that he seems to be improving and slowly getting over his crash, sprinting to a solid ninth place.”