Soler, who led Spain to their first stage win at a Grand Tour event in two years, initiated a race-defining solo breakaway with 15 kilometres left to win the stage in 4hrs 15min 23sec.

South Africa's Daryl Impey of Israel-Premier Tech trailed by four seconds with British Bahrain Victorious rider Fred Wright following.

French Groupama-FDJ rider Molard was next to cross the line to take the overall crown from Roglič of Jumbo-Visma.

"This red jersey means so much to me," Molard said, as reported by Velo News.

"Last year I had to leave the race with a pneumothorax after a massive crash.

"For nine weeks I couldn't do any sport.

"I really struggled, I didn't know if I could come back to my best level.

"One year later, I am the leader of the Vuelta.

"You still have to believe."

Roglič dropped down to fifth in the standings after completing the race five minutes and nine seconds after Soler.

The Slovenian is seeking to win a record-breaking fourth consecutive Vuelta a España overall title.

Wright, Germany's Niklas Arndt of Team DSM and United States' Lawson Craddock of BikeExchange-Jayco make up the second, third and fourth spots in the overall category.

Daan Hoole of Trek-Segafredo recorded the tour's first COVID-19 case prior to the race, meaning the Dutch rider was subsequently ruled out of participating.

Tomorrow's sixth stage is scheduled to be a mountainous 181.2km route from Bilbao to Pico Jano with riders needing to climb 12.6km to the finish line.