The day's breakaway was formed by Filippo Fiorelli, Will Barta, Joel Nicolau, Xavier Cañellas, Diego Pablo Sevilla and José Maria Garcia. None of these riders were a threat to the overall classification, hence UAE Team Emirates was happy to let the group go. Bahrain - Victorious and BORA - hansgrohe kept the break in check.
In the 5-kilometer ascent at 9.3% which highlighted the day the peloton was split to bits. BORA pushed the pace and Aleksandr Vlasov attacked. Pello Bilbao also made a move in the difficult ascent, but McNulty responded promptly and a small group remained at the summit of the climb. This one grew quickly afterwards.
Movistar's Will Barta in the meantime went solo in the head of the race. The peloton saw a few moves but none were able to make the difference, whilst the American sustained a gap of around a minute with 40 kilometers to go.
Lidl-Trek led a desperate but weakened chase throughout the final kilometers, but it was not enough. Barta had tremendous legs on the day and although the gap was small, he was the first to enter Valencia and to cross the finish line, taking a much needed win for the Spanish team.
Jonathan Milan won the sprint for second in the peloton followed by Vito Braet. Brandon McNulty arrived at the finish safely and sealed the overall win.