Alberto Contador produced one of the finest performances of his career to win stage 17 of the Vuelta a Espana and with it move into the race lead.
The SaxoBank-Tinkoff rider launched an audacious attack nearly 50km from the finish, on the slopes of the second category Collado La Hoz, and soloed to victory, eventually finishing eight seconds ahead of Alejandro Valverde (Movistar).
Previous race leader Joaquim Rodriguez finished more than two-and-a-half minutes adrift on the stage to drop to third overall, behind Contador and Valverde.
A spectacular backdrop for the 17th stage of the Vuelta a Espana
Contador is a picture of concentrate as he powers away from his rivals
There’s no hiding the pure joy etched across Contador’s face as he crosses the finish line
Joaquim Rodriguez (Katusha) finished more than two-and-a-half minutes behind Contador
Contador takes over the race lead from Rodriguez, who drops to third overall behind El Pistolero and Valverde
