As such, the breakaway didn't last very long out front, being caught with over 50km still to go on the day.
Somewhat surprisingly, the GC contenders seemed content to wait until the final climb to try and provide a shock to Tadej Pogacar although in all honesty, they were likely battling for second behind the Slovenian.
With bonus seconds on offer at the final intermediate sprint, Aleksandr Vlasov collected the three maximum 3 ahead of UAE Team Emirates duo Marc Soler and Pavel Sivakov.
As the climbing began, more riders were dropping out the back the attacking off the front with UAE helped by Soudal - Quick-Step with their pace setting.
With just over 7km to go,
Mikel Landa decided to make his move. Dangerously though, the Spaniard seemed to have awoken the beast as Pogacar countered with an attack of his own, moving clear solo.
Sepp Kuss was looking a lot better than yesterday, bridging across to Landa and then beginning his attempt to reel in the runaway Slovenian.
As Pogacar sailed off into the distance however, Chris Harper actually joined the two chasers. Not wanting more company, Landa attacked again dropping Kuss and Harper and proving himself the best of the rest once again.
With Pogacar victorious, Landa came home second 48 seconds down with
Antonio Tiberi winning the race for third.