The stage was won by Denis Menchov, who had been part of a 20-man stage-long breakaway.
Alejandro Valverde (Movistar), who just pipped his countrymen Daniel Moreno and Joaquin Rodriguez, both of Katusha, to the line. Alberto Contador kept the overall leader's red jersey and is closing in on his second Spanish Vuelta title.
The 29-year-old Contador is riding in his first grand tour since returning from a drug ban.