Bernal battles in breakaway

Egan Bernal fought to a seventh placed finish in stage 18 of La Vuelta, after a spirited effort in the break of the day.

 The pace was high from the off, with Bernal playing a pivotal role in forming the 14 rider breakaway that would go on to contest the stage.

Despite a high tempo on many of the day's climbs, Egan dug deep to stick with an ever-dwindling lead group.

The penultimate climb would prove to be the Colombian's undoing, where, despite battling hard to keep in contention, the pace would see him slip from front of the race.

Determined as ever, Bernal continued to the line to finish seventh on the stage.