The change in altitude brought with it a change in the leaderboard.

Honada’s Joan Barreda dominated the day in the bikes category for his first win this edition.

The Spaniard also took over at the summit of the race standings from Australian defending champion Toby Price who fell to fifth overall after a navigational error.

Britain’s Sam Sunderland took second place in challenge from San Miguel de Tucuman to San Salvador de Jujuy in Argentina.

He is now also second overall.

After a sluggish start to this edition reigning car champion Stephane Peterhansel propelled himself into contention with his first stage victory.

The Frenchman headed a Peugeot 1-2-3, with Spaniard Carlos Sainz coming home second almost two minutes adrift.

Nine time world rally champion Sebastien Loeb crossed over in third but retained the overall lead, just under a minute clear of Sainz in second. (Euronews)