Spain's Urko Berrade secured his first professional victory by winning the 18th stage of the Vuelta a Espana with a decisive late breakaway in the Basque hills. Berrade launched his attack with less than 5 km remaining, distancing himself from a leading group of 13 riders to win the 179 km stage. Switzerland's Mauro Schmid and Spaniard Pau Miquel Delgado finished second and third, respectively. Australian Ben O'Connor retained the overall leader's red jersey, maintaining his five-second lead over Slovenia's Primoz Roglic. Britain's Max Poole narrowly missed a podium finish, while veteran Mikel Landa and Adam Yates dropped in the overall standings. Ireland's Eddie Dunbar improved to 13th in the general classification, while Darren Rafferty fell to 74th.