Isaac Del Toro’s lead was reduced to 26 seconds ahead of British rider Simon Yates and 31 seconds ahead of Richard Carapaz.

With no time-trialling remaining, and 22,000m of climbing scheduled for the final week, Carapaz is now arguably the race favourite.

Unlike the 21-year-old, Carapaz has been here before; he knows what it takes to win big. While those around him played the