Van Vleuten turned the race upside down on the first major climb of the day, distancing herself from the peloton with only Italian Gaia Realini able to keep up with her, taking the stage victory in a heart-stopping sprint to the line.

35km into the stage, after a fast start with a strong wind that had not allowed any breakaways, GC leader Vollering was caught in a group of about twenty riders who lost contact with the peloton.

She reached the first climb of the day just over a minute behind the main group - it was there that Van Vleuten decided to strike, and she took Realini, Erica Magnaldi, Juliette Labous and Evita Muzic with her.

The winner of the last two editions attacked again just before the intermediate sprint of San Miguel de Aras, just over 32km from the finish line, in a move to which only Realini has responded, and the two started the ascent to the Puerto de Campo el Hayal together.

On this second ascent, Vollering was able to connect with a large chasing group that included most of the favourites for the final victory, with whom she finished 1:38 behind Van Vleuten, who continued to ride with the determination of someone who knew that she was turning the race around.

The world champion set the pace at all times to reach the finish line with Realini on her wheel. The two sprinted for the stage victory and the Italian claimed victory in the tightest of finishes.

Vollering crossed the line with the chasing group with little more than a minute lost, so Van Vleuten became the new leader of the race with a gap of 1:11 over Vollering herself and 1:23 over Riejanne Markus.

The riders will now prepare for the final battle this Sunday, on the seventh and last stage. A mythical mountain pass awaits the cyclists at the culmination of this historic race, in a 93.7km stage.

A real mountain challenge in a historic setting will crown the final winner of a race that has not disappointed thus far.