Onley a close second to climb Vuelta GC

Oscar Onley continued to gain momentum at the Vuelta a Espana with a close second place on stage nine.

The toughest stage of the race thus far culminated in a summit finish atop the Alto de Aitana, with Onley crossing the line on the wheel of new race leader Enric Mas (Movistar).

The pair has forged clear in the closing kilometres, with Onley looking strong and able to shut down key accelerations as the contenders traded blows on the run-in. The result elevated the Netcompany INEOS rider to fourth overall, 2:20 back on Mas and 41 seconds off the podium and Felix Gall (Decathlon CMA CGM).

Taking time on a number of key rivals, Onley also extended his grip on the white jersey.

Embret Svestad-Bardseng gave the team strong representation in the day's early breakaway, which swelled to 24 riders prior to the Puerto de Tudons.

Sunday also saw Netcompany INEOS in action at the Bretagne Classic in Plouay.

AJ August continued his good form by riding his way into a counter attacking move as the race crossed the finish line for the first time. In the end the group would be reeled in before fresh attacks and a late solo victory for Alex Aranburu (Cofidis). Artem Shmidt was the team's top finisher in the chasing peloton.