[3][4] The Spanish favourites for the general classification of the race were Pedro Delgado, Faustino Rupérez and Pello Ruiz Cabestany and the potential foreign favourites included Robert Millar – now known as Philippa York, Sean Kelly, Éric Caritoux, Peter Winnen and Gianbattista Baronchelli.

Pedro Delgado won stage 6 to the Lagos de Covadonga and took over the race leader's jersey.

With the following day's last stage of the race little more than ceremonial, Millar said to the press, "I just have to stick to Pacho Rodríguez's wheel and it's done."

[7] Millar however was unaware that Delgado, in the mountains around his Segovia hometown that he knew like the back of his hand, had launched an attack.

[8] With the race now referred to as "The stolen Vuelta', from the collusion among the Spanish speaking riders, Millar finished second overall.

[10] In the television documentary on York, "The High Life", Millar criticised Berland for his handling of the situation on the road when Delgado attacked.