Viviani makes his mark as Kwiatkowski protects red jersey

Elia Viviani showed his class at another Grand Tour as he clinched the third stage of the Vuelta a Espana, while Team Sky's Michal Kwiatkowski held on to his red jersey.

Quick-Step Floors worked hard to give Viviani a platform to challenge in the final sprint and he duly delivered to win a Vuelta stage for the first time in his career.

The Italian won the points classification and four stages at the Giro d'Italia earlier this year and must now fancy his chances again in Spain.

"It was beautiful," Viviani said. "I have no words again for the team. I'm really happy. This wonderful season continues."

A six-rider breakaway of Nans Peters, Pierre Rolland, Jordi Simon, Antonio Molina, Luis Angel Mate and Hector Saez formed early on Monday, mopping up points in the mountains as they protected their advantage for much of the day.

Quick-Step and Sky controlled the peloton and maintained a watching brief as others eventually countered, ultimately leaving Lukas Postlberger out in front on his own as the riders entered the last 10km.

Peter Sagan was in the mix after a difficult second stage, along with Kwiatkowski, but Viviani came through with a powerful burst to pip compatriot Giacomo Nizzolo.

Although Kwiatkowski was unable to compete at the last, his solid ride ensured there was no change in the general classification standings.

HOME COMFORTS HELP MATE

Riding in his home region of Malaga, Mate made the most of his familiar surroundings to extend his King of the Mountains advantage.

The Spaniard was part of the initial break and worked to ensure he came out on top in the key sections, moving from 11 points to a handsome 24, 12 clear of his nearest rival.

With a mountainous stage up next, Mate must now deliver again on Tuesday.

Viviani's win saw him move into contention in the points classifications, meanwhile, climbing to third behind Kwiatkowski and Valverde.

STAGE 3 RESULT

1. Elia Viviani (Quick-Step Floors) 4:48.12

CLASSIFICATION STANDINGS

General Classification

1. Michal Kwiatkowski (Team Sky) 9:10.52

Points Classification

1. Michal Kwiatkowski (Team Sky) 43

King of the Mountains

1. Luis Angel Mate (Cofidis) 24

UP NEXT…

The race continues on Tuesday in Velez-Malaga, with two sizeable ascents - 18.2km and 12.4km in length - on the 161.4km ride to La Alfacar.