Jay Vine doubles up with second mountain stage victory at Vuelta a Espana

Vine, who attacked the main group of favourites to win in the Basque Country two days ago, went in the day’s break, which also included Mikel Landa - looking to main time in the general classification - and Marc Soler, himself a stage winner in the race. 

Evenepoel’s Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl team paced for much of the day, but never looked likely to catch the break and as they hit the final nine-kilometre test - it was Alexey Lutsenko who put in the first attack with 6.4kms to go. Soon after, Vine launched the pivotal move and steadily grew the gap. 

Back in the favourites group, the work for leader Evenepoel saw many riders losing ground. However, Enric Mas, who was the only rider to stay with Evenepoel on stage six, and Primoz Roglic, were able to hang with him all the way to the finish. 

As Vine celebrated his second victory, this time able to see the spectators after an incredibly misty finish on stage six, Soler and Rein Taramae came in second and third respectively. Thibault Pinot came fourth before the Evenepoel group of three. 

The Belgian now leads the Vuelta by 28 seconds to Mas and by 1:01 to Roglic. 

Vine now holds the mountains jersey, whilst Mads Pedersen goes into the green points jersey.

On Sunday, the riders will face 171.4kms in the saddle before another summit finish that could see more GC hopefuls distanced.

For the full results from stage eight, check them out with Flashscore.