Sir Dave Brailsford has backed Tom Dumoulin to seal overall victory of the Vuelta a Espana and has described the Dutch rider as "majestic".
Dumoulin fended off no fewer than six attacks from second-placed Fabio Aru on a compelling 18th stage to retain his three-second lead over the Italian overall.
Speaking to Eurosport after Thursday's stage, Team Sky principal Brailsford said: "It was fantastic racing. It was great for everybody.
"What a battle for that [three seconds], and Aru just couldn't get rid of Dumoulin.
"He looks majestic, Dumoulin. Personally I think he will win the race. He is a class rider. It was great to watch that and it will continue for the next couple of days."
Although Brailsford does not have a rider challenging for overall victory at the Vuelta, he was given reason to celebrate when Team Sky's Nicolas Roche won stage 18 out of the breakaway.
The Irishman had been fourth overall at the end of the first week of the race, but a crash saw him drop out of contention.
Brailsford added: "It was a really good day. He [Roche] came here looking to ride GC [general classification]. He started fantastically well, but then he had his crash, which took him out of the GC.
"He has bounced back. I don't think he thought about winning this morning. He did a fantastic job and I'm super-happy for him."