After attacking with 1 km to go in stage 7, Alexandre Vinokourov (Astana) missed out on victory by 100 metres when Alejandro Valverde passed him to win the stage to the top of the Alto de El Morredero. The Kazakhstani eventually finished fifth. "Simply, I could not have won, but I am satisfied because every day I go better," said Vino. "I had very good sensations during the whole stage, am improving and believe that on Sunday I will be even better. Valverde has not been a surprise, I know him well, but we will see what happens on Sunday. Today he was very motivated because I believe that also wanted the leadership."
