Vuelta España Stage 9: Andorra > Barcelona, 196kms

Mickael Buffaz is leading an escape for the second consecutive day...

Argos are the ones chasing, modestly, with almost four hours racing to go...

The peloton is stretched out alongside a scenic reserve in Catalonia

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The reservoir near Coll de Nargo welcomes the peloton as it heads south towards Barcelona...

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The peloton is still sightseeing on its tour of the spectacular region - but the gap is only four minutes now...

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Chris Froome and Steve Cummings have plenty of time and space to chat while others do the chasing...

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Pablo Lastras is collecting bananas and bottles for his Movistar teamates...

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John Degenkolb looks like he has future potential as a mechanic - help..!

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Nico Sijmens shows a good flex as he loads up with bottles for his Cofidis teamates...

Xavier Zandio has managed to squeeze seven bottles inside his Sky jersey...

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Martin Maaskant leads the escape closer to home, but the peloton is closing in on them now...

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The rocky spires of Montserrat look down on a peloton going very, very fast...

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Daniel Teklehaimanot paces Allan Davis back to the peloton on a day that could end in a big sprint...

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BMC has taken a keen interest in catching the escape, but who's their sprinter in this race..?

Yes! Philippe Gilbert wins stage nine after attacking on the twisty Montjuic circuit with race-leader Joachim Rodriguez..!

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"Thanks amigo" - Gilbert and Rodriguez enjoy the moment when one won the sytage and the other stretched his overall lead...

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Alejandro Valverde chased the two winners home, he too gained a few seconds over Chris Froome and Alberto Contador...

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Joachim Rodriguez can afford to smile as he heads to the first rest-day with a respectful lead over his rivals - but can he win this Vuelta..?

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