Omega Pharma - Quick-Step Cycling Team riders Gianni Meersman and Serge Pauwels finished 47th and 48th in a 155km Stage 14 of La Vuelta a España where several riders abandoned, some due to hypothermia.
Daniele Ratto (Cannondale Pro Cycling Team) suffered solo and was able to win by almost four minutes over Vincenzo Nibali (Astana Pro Team) in the leader's jerysey, and Chris Horner (Radioshack-Leopard).
Some GC contenders lost time, such as Alejandro Valverde (Movistar). Domenico Pozzovivo (AG2R-La Mondiale), and Nicolas Roche (Team Saxo-Tinkoff).
Riders will have to fight through another challenging stage on Sunday: 225km Stage 15, also in the high mountains.