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Rodriguez, right, still leads overall. MANU FERNANDEZ/AP/Press Association Images
Caja Rural

Vuelta á Espana: Piedra triumphs, Rodriguez retains lead

Meanwhile, Nicolas Roche is now in ninth place overall following today’s race.

Result: SPANIARD ANTONIO PIEDRA triumphed on Sunday’s 15th stage of the Tour of Spain, while Joaquim Rodriguez remains the overall leader.

It is the first time Caja Rural have won a stage at the event, and the victory represents the biggest achievement of the 26-year-old’s career thus far.

Fellow Spaniard Ruben Perez Moreno was second, and Lloyd Mondory of France finished third.

In addition, Rodriguez’s 22-second lead over Alberto Contador remains intact following today’s race.

Here’s how it happened: Piedra formed part of a group of 10 riders who led the way early on in proceedings.

He crossed the mountain top finish line just ahead of his nearest rival and fellow Spaniard Ruben Perez Moreno.

With roughly ten kilometres remaining, he pulled ahead of the chasing pack and retained his lead thereafter.

He thus completed the race in five hours, one minute and 23 seconds, two minutes and two seconds ahead of Moreno.

Who’s wearing what jersey?

  • Red (general classification): Joaquim Rodriguez
  • Green (points): Joaquim Rodriguez
  • Blue dots (mountains): Simon Clarke
  • White (all-round): Joaquim Rodriguez

How did Nico do? Roche has dropped from seventh place to ninth, having finished a disappointing 30th overall today.

What’s in store tomorrow? The third straight mountain stage gets underway, a 183.5-kilometre ride from Gijon to Valgrande-Pajaresm, before the cyclists’ rest day on Tuesday.

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