Stage 18 was an incredibly aggressive day when it came to the GC fight, but few gaps were actually created in the end. Carlos Rodríguez was perhaps the biggest casualty of the day, however it was a day saved for the Spanish champion taking into consideration the injuries he took to the finish line.
Rodríguez started the day in fourth place after a strong and consistent Vuelta, and found himself at the lead of
INEOS Grenadiers. The 21-year old had high ambitions on the day, but was one of the most affected riders of the early crash in the stage which saw Jay Vine and Quentin Pacher abandon the race. Rodríguez had road rash and blood over several spots in his body, and had an extensive visit to the medic's car. It seemed to be a day that could bring down the youngster's GC stint to an end, but he soldiered through the rest of the day to put on an impressive performance.
