Martin shows strong form alongside big guns at Vuelta a España

Dan Martin had a strong showing on yesterday's ninth stage of the Vuelta a España, showing strong form alongside the big guns of world cycling on the final climb of the stage.

Martin felt strong all day and attacked from the contenders’ group with three kilometres to go.

As he admits in his diary, the timing of the move was unfortunate as other teams fired off their own attacks immediately afterwards, hauling him back, but he nevertheless finished with the-then race leader Alejandro Valverde (Movistar), 2013 Tour de France winner Chris Froome (Sky) and other top names.

They were 23 seconds behind the trio of Alberto Contador (Tinkoff Saxo), Joaquim Rodriguez (Katusha) and Nairo Quintana (Movistar), the new overall leader.

Martin believes he might have been able to be with the latter group had he not attacked when he did.

He is now a solid 15th overall but feels he can make further gains as the race goes on.

Fellow Irishman Philip Deignan (Sky) was 64th on the stage and is 55th overall.