JACA, Spain (AP) — Overall leader Joaquin Rodriguez extended his lead over Christopher Froome and Alberto Contador by surging ahead on the closing climb to win Thursday’s sixth stage of the Spanish Vuelta.
The Spanish cyclist stuck with Froome before coming around the last corner ahead of his Sky rival to secure a 5-second victory under a scorching sun.
Alejandro Valverde crossed 10 seconds later in third ahead of Contador, who lost time to Rodriguez navigating the tight bends of the mountain top finish.
Katusha rider Rodriguez needed 4 hours, 15 minutes, 56 seconds to win the 109-mile stage and extend his overall lead over Froome to 10 seconds.
Contador, the 2008 champion, is 35 seconds behind in third, while 2009 champion Valverde is 54 seconds back.
