Nibali stays in top spot

Vincenzo Nibali retained the lead in the Vuelta a Espana as Peter Velits won today’s individual time trial in Penafiel, his first stage win of the season.

Team Columbia rider Velits was 12 seconds quicker than nearest challenger Denis Menchov today and lies third overall, now within two minutes of leader Nibali.

Italian Nibali, riding for Liquigas, stands 38 seconds clear of Spain’s Ezequiel Mosquera after 17 of the 21 stages.

“This is is my first victory in a time trial,” said Slovakian Velits, “And to be able to do that in the Vuelta is something almost unbelievable.

“It’s a big but very nice surprise for both me and the team.

“I knew the key would be going all out in the return section, where there was a strong tailwind and I was able to make most of the difference there. Seeing Tom Danielson ahead of me on the road but slowly closing the gap on him really boosted my morale, too, and I could keep up a high pace.”

Britain’s Mark Cavendish leads the points standings on 111, 18 clear of KAT’s Joaquin Rodriguez, with the 25 earned on the day by Nibali lifting him to fourth.