When Dunbar accelerated ahead of the lead group, no one could keep up. Despite the Irishman’s small build, he successfully fended off the more powerful riders from the day's breakaway.

"It's incredible. Since the Vuelta last year, I think I’ve had seven or eight crashes. And of course, physically that takes its toll, but also mentally," Dunbar added.

West Australian O'Connor had a challenging day, finishing in 42nd place, and perhaps the happiest rider was three-time Vuelta winner Slovenia's Primoz Roglic, who cut his rival's lead by 37 seconds, reducing the gap to three minutes and 16 seconds.

O'Connor, who is attempting to become only Australia's third cycling Grand Tour winner, tried valiantly to keep pace with a break by Roglic and Enric Mas, but while other GC riders recovered, he ended up well off the pace.

"Yes, I suffered," O'Connor told Eurosport. "It was hard at the start, and the finish climb was really solid. Maybe I could have managed it better. But I've still got the red jersey - another day ticked off.

"I’m excited to get into the mountains again, it’s hilly here but the punchy finishes are super hard. If I’m not at my best it can be difficult. Hopefully, once we get to the big mountains I can get back to how I was in Granada.

"I’m not happy, but I can’t really do much about it, I need to be a better rider and improve, and be better the next day."

Asked about dealing with the twin threat of Roglic and Mas, O'Connor said: "Cycling is all about making an alliance when you need to and then breaking it when you need to as well. I guess that’s just the nature of the sport."

Thursday's 12th stage covers 137km from Ourense to the ski station at the Cabeza de Manzaneda.

With agencies

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