Groves had been put into a strong position to complete his hat-trick after great work from Alpecin-Deceuninck over the course of the ride from Ólvega to Zaragoza.

However, UAE Team Emirates thwarted Alpecin-Deceuninck’s plan in the closing stage when Portugal’s Rui Oliveira made an impressive lead-out.

Molano then came roaring through to secure victory in a time of 3hr 23min 35sec.

"I’m very happy," said Molano.

"Thanks for my team, they did amazingly this victory is for my team and my family.

"We did it how it was planned on the last corner we had to be close to the font on the fences and open up at this point."

Groves had to settle for second, while The Netherlands’ Boy van Poppel of Intermarché–Circus–Wanty and Oliveira finished third and fourth respectively.

The Australian revealed that he had suffered a mechanical issue.

"We got bumped by UAE who came with momentum…and my chain actually dropped, so I managed to get it on, and I think I showed a really strong sprint, but unfortunately it was too far back, too late," Groves told Eurosport.

"I’m super disappointed because it could have been win number three.

"But we’re still in the hunt for the points [jersey] which is also important for us."

Jumbo-Visma rider Sepp Kuss of the United States continues to hold a 26-second lead over Spain’s Marc Soler of the UAE Team Emirates in the general classification standings.

"It’s hard to say right now [if tomorrow will be about defence or attack]," said Kuss.

"We still have the three of us up there.

"I’ll have to see how I feel."

Competition is due to continue tomorrow with a mountainous stage from Formigal to Col du Tourmalet.