Dan Martin (Israeli Startup Nation) was the only one to make the podium in the Vuelta a España as Primos Roglic (Jumbo Visma), Richard Karapas (Ineos Grenadiers), and Hugh Kersee (EF Pro Cycling), the podium contenders for the Vuelta a España, took the 17th When they began the final sorting of the competition on the final climb of the stage, they showed no reaction.

Martin entered the stage in fourth place overall, 1:48 behind overall leader Roglic, but with a good chance of moving up to third overall. However, on the demanding slopes of the Alto de la Covatilla, Carty initiated hostilities and only Logrich, Calapaz, and Enric Mas were able to follow.

Martín was forced to ride at his own pace on the climb that gave him his first Grand Tour win at the 2011 Vuelta a España. Martín eventually finished 18th, but retained his 4th place overall and led the masses in the overall standings.

Martin still has a lot to gain from this race, notably a stage win and his best ever GC result in a Grand Tour (6th overall in the 2017 Tour de France). His impressive stage win at La Laguna Negra de Vinuesa was his first in two seasons, and a timely reminder of what the 34-year-old is capable of after a difficult time in his career due to injury.

"I got off to a good start, but it was the hardest race I've ever done. The cold, the rain, and the intense pace all day made it a stage too far for me," Martin said after the stage, congratulating the three riders who finished ahead of him on GC.

"I emptied the tank and minimized my losses. I had envisioned a podium attack, but in the end the three guys in front of me were better."

"I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished in the last three weeks. Israel Startup Nation signed me last year because they believed I could achieve these results. They built a team around me and everyone gave their all for me for three weeks. This kind of result was unimaginable three weeks ago.

Martin finished the season on a high and will carry that confidence into 2021, returning with an even stronger Israel Startup Nation team. The team signed Chris Froome, Michael Woods, Sepp Vanmarcke, Patrick Bevin, and Daryl Impey, among others, to add to its roster for the new year. Martin's results in the Vuelta will ensure that he will play a major role as a stage race leader.

"Next year will be incredibly exciting, with even greater ambitions for us as a team. I want to thank all the staff and riders for making these three weeks so special.