TOTANA, Spain (AP) — Pablo Lastras of Spain has taken the overall lead of the Spanish Vuelta by winning the race’s third stage.
The Movistar rider completed the 101-mile ride from Petrer to Totana in 3 hours, 58 minutes Monday to finish 15 seconds ahead of three chasers in the searing heat.
Lastras dedicated the win to former teammate Xavier Tondo, who died after a freak accident this year. Lastras broke away on his own about 3.7 miles from the finish of a leg that featured just two short climbs.
Lastras leads Sylvain Chavanel by 20 seconds going into Tuesday’s fourth leg.
Defending champion Vincenzo Nibali of Italy is seventh overall, 1:59 back.