Welcome to live coverage of stage 19 of the Vuelta a Espana. Yesterday it was a day for the sprinters with the Isle of Man's Mark Cavendish coming out on top.

After the sprint the breakaway have put down the hammer again on a slight descent. The advantage stretches to 9m 12s.

The first intermediate sprint is reached by the breakaway. Results: 1. Xavier Florencio 2. Manuel Ortega 3. Josep Jufre

The lead for the breakaway touches 8m 10s. Josep Jufre is the best-placed of the group but still lies 30m 34s behind Nibali so no drama for Liquigas just yet.

It's a pretty easy day in red for Nibali so far. Mosquera, Peter Velits and Frank Schleck are enjoying the run out and hopefully planning an explosive day on Puerto de Navacerrada and the mighty Bola del Mundo tomorrow.

The lead for the breakaway now stretches to more than 7m. A mighty effort in any book.

The lead increases to an impressive 5m 54s. But in the peloton's defence there is an awfully long way to go to today's finish.

I'm beginning to wonder whether the pack realise the rate at which the four escapees of Dominik Roels, Josep Jufre, Manuel Ortega and Xavier Florencio are travelling. The gap is now 4m 54s and shows no signs of slowing.

The breakaway continues apace. The gap grows to 4m 30s.

Yesterday's stage win for Mark Cavendish could be repeated today if the likes of HTC have their way. See how the Manx Missile

"ér have u fallen asleep mr commentator ??????" says Me - Er, not that I'm aware. Did you miss me?

This quartet are really starting to motor. The gap is 2m 39 but Liquigas sense that something must be done and have taken control of the peloton for red jersey wearer Vincenzo Nibali.

The four escapees are now together and head the field by 50s.

No sooner has the pack gone over the climb then the attacks begin. Dominik 'Bacon' Roels has a go first and slips away with JUFRE Josep. These two are 11s clear of ORTEGA Manuel and FLORENCIO Xavier. They are ahead of the main field by 27s.

Martinez does attack!! He goes for the line and pips Moncoutie over the summit of Puerto de Chia with Imanol Erviti picking up third.

Still no packs. Disappointing. Martinez Serafin and David Moncoutie may have a dash to claim the points. They are vying for the King of the Mountains jersey.

Could be trouble for Xaiver Tondo. The Cervelo Test Team rider drops back to have a chat with his team director. He's sixth overall and currently 3m 48s back.

It's a uphill struggle alright as the peloton makes its way up this climb.

We're 3km in. The climb begins in another 3km. Should be good.

And stage 19 is underway. The first climb isn't too far from the start. Any breakaway would do well to get clear of the ascent of Puerto de Chia.

The ride through the neutral zone begins. At a lengthy 11km it'll certainly get the circulation pumping.

The last of the riders are in signing control. The weather could a touch chilly to start this morning but should improve as the race reaches Toledo.