The entire Movistar team were deducted one minute by the International Cycling Union (UCI) commissaires in the evening, after Spain’s Jose Rojas was adjudged to have taken a push during the team time trial.

He had been set to take the lead in the general classification, but slipped down the standings after the team were penalised after a protest from rivals.

Movistar were keen to respond during the 188.3 kilometre stage from Mataró to La Molina, which featured several climbs.

A four-man breakaway were able to resist the peloton for the majority of the stage, but were caught inside the closing eight kilometres.

The final climb in La Molina provided the perfect backdrop for late attacks from an ever reducing field at the front of the race.

Ireland’s Dan Martin looked to secure the stage win, with the Quick-Step Floors rider launching himself clear in the last kilometre.

He was quickly followed by Valverde, who produced a perfectly timed counter attack to sweep past to triumph in a time of 5 hours, 7min and 12sec.

Martin was the runner-up on the same time as the winner, with Britain’s Adam Yates leading over the next group of riders, who ended two seconds further back.

Belgium’s Ben Hermans, who had moved into the overall lead yesterday, slipped down the standings after losing time.

Tejay Van Garderen finished 3sec behind the stage winner, but the American moved into the overall lead.

Spain’s Samuel Sanchez is 41sec off the overall race lead, with Britain’s Geraint Thomas and Valverde now at 43 and 44sec down respectively.

The International Cycling Union (UCI) WorldTour race will continue tomorrow with a 194.3km stage from Llívia to Igualada.