American Tyler Farrar broke away in the closing stages of a bunch sprint to win stage 11 of the Tour of Spain.
American registers first Grand Tour stage win in Caravaca de la Cruz
Tyler Farrar broke away in the closing stages of a bunch sprint to win stage 11 of the Tour of Spain.
The American stayed clear of his rivals before celebrating as he crossed the line first at the end of the 200-kilometre ride from Murcia to Caravaca de la Cruz.
Victory for the Garmin-Slipstream rider, who had finished in the top five on four other days on tour, gives him his first Grand Tour stage win.
Belgian Phippe Gilbert was second behind Farrar with Marco Marcato of Italy claiming the final place on the podium.
Spaniard Alejandro Valverde came home in 14th to retain the golden jersey, his advantage over Cadel Evans of Australia remaining at seven seconds.
The Vuelta takes a break on Thursday before stage 12 sees the riders travel 179km from Almeria to Alto de Velefique.
Stage result:1. Tyler Farrar (U.S. / Garmin ) 5 hrs 11 mins 10 secs
2. Philippe Gilbert (Belgium / Silence - Lotto ) same time
3. Marco Marcato (Italy / Vacansoleil )
4. Inaki Isasi (Spain / Euskaltel )
5. Andre Greipel (Germany / Columbia )
6. Alessandro Ballan (Italy / Lampre )
7. Enrico Gasparotto (Italy / Lampre )
8. Christian Knees (Germany / Milram )
9. Oscar Freire (Spain / Rabobank )
10. Matteo Tosatto (Italy / Quick-Step )
Overall standings:1. Alejandro Valverde (Spain / Caisse d'Epargne ) 45hrs 37mins 51secs
2. Cadel Evans (Australia / Silence - Lotto ) +7secs
3. Robert Gesink (Netherlands / Rabobank ) +36"
4. Tom Danielson (U.S. / Garmin ) +51"
5. Ivan Basso (Italy / Liquigas ) +53"
