On the penultimate day of the Catalan stage race, the 154-kilometre queen stage awaited. Between Berga and Queralt, the riders braved five categorised climbs. Almost immediately after the start, two riders formed the early breakaway. The peloton, paced by Team Visma | Lease a Bike, never gave the duo much space.

The most feared climb of the day was Coll de Pradell, a hors catégorie climb. Towards the summit, the Team Visma | Lease a Bike riders had a difficult time. Both Kuss and Uijtdebroeks had to let go of the role at the front, but the two managed to get back on the descent. Moments later, an unleashed Pogačar decided the stage on the penultimate climb. Kuss eventually reached the finish line in 15th place. The American lost his place in the top ten of the general classification.

"Of course we had hoped for more," said sports director Marc Reef. "Our goal before the stage started was to move up in the general classification with Sepp and Cian. That's why we decided to take part in leading the race. We were confident, but unfortunately they did not appear to have good enough legs today. Sepp still regrouped well on the final climb, but the energy tank was empty."

"That too is sport at the highest level," he continued. "We went for it, but we weren't able to do it. This result was the highest possible today. We have to accept that. A tough final stage in Barcelona awaits us tomorrow as well. Steven made a good impression today. In addition, Attila proved in the past that the climb of Montjuïc suits him well. We'll see what's still possible for us there."