The general classification contenders were expected to come to the fore at the conclusion of the 181 kilometre stage from Villalpando to La Camperona, with a steep incline bringing the race to a conclusion today.

Colombia’s Darwin Apatuma, the red jersey wearer heading into the stage, proved unable to hold on as Quintana, Britain’s Chris Froome and the Spanish duo of Alberto Contador and Alejandro Valverde increased the pace in the closing kilometres.

Froome, who won the Tour de France earlier in the current International Cycling Union (UCI) World Tour season, attacked and was able to distance Contador on a particularly testing part of the climb.

The Olympic time trial bronze medallist was unable to live with Quintana though, as the Colombian surged clear.

Quintana would eventually end 25 seconds ahead of Contador, with the Spaniard recovering and then passing Froome in the final metres.

Froome and Valverde were a further eight seconds down at the conclusion of the stage.

Following his performance, Quintana assumed the overall race lead and is 19 seconds ahead of second place Valverde, while Froome is now 27 seconds off the new red jersey wearer.

Colombia’s Esteban Chaves is the only other man within a minute of the general classification leader, as he lies 57 seconds behind his countryman Quintana.

The stage victory was claimed by Russia’s Lagutin, who triumphed from an 11 rider breakaway, who were allowed to go clear of the peloton early on in the stage.

The 35-year-old escaped from France’s Axel Domont and Perrig Quemeneur to end 10 seconds clear, winning in a time of 4hr, 9min and 30sec.

Tomorrow will see the peloton tackle a 164km medium mountain stage from Cistierna to Alto del Naranco.