Vincenzo Nibali was dropped on the climbs but he fought back on descent of the Comella to join the leaders. Then in true shark style he harried and stalked down BMC’s Nicolas Roche before storming across the line to take his second Grand Tour stage for Bahrain-Merida. David de la Cruz (Quick Step Floors) grabbed his chance and swept past Chris Froome (Sky) for second. Froome’s crafty attack for the intermediate sprint and bonifications for third place were enough to see him on the race lead podium at the end of the day.