Vuelta a Espana 2023: Andreas Kron pulls off late attack to land Stage 2 victory amid emotional scenes for Lotto Dstny

The catch came at just the right time for Piccolo and Romo, who had enough of a lead at the steps of Montjuic to go into first and second overall respectively. That was also the point that the main favourites agreed to part company with the stage-hunting teams, who were left to fight it out among themselves.

An immaculate move from Kron on the category three Montjuic climb opened up an immediate lead that none of the others could stay with. He carried clear air over the top and swept down towards the finish, taking risks on the descent which, while drying, was still damp and patchy.