LA COVATILLA, Spain (AFP) - Colombian rider Felix Cardenas of the Baque team made a solo break to win the 17th stage of the Tour of Spain, a 169.8km ride between Plasencia and the ski resort of La Covatilla.
It was a welcome reward for Cardenas who had been dithering as to whether to ride in the race or not but added to his previous two stage wins in this race and one apiece in the Tour de France and the Tour of Italy.
Spaniard Roberto Heras of the Liberty team holds the overall race lead and received a hige boost as his major danger Alejandro Valverde slipped from just 5 seconds behind to third overall over two minutes behind the leader.
Cardenas, took the lead in the King of the Mountain category, after crossing the line 29 seconds ahead of Spaniard Santi Perez with Heras third at 1:01.
"I really didn't want to ride in the Tour," admitted Cardenas.
"I fell two weeks before the start and had an operation on a bone in my arm. I didn't feel too good but with a sense of self sacrifice, assuming my responsibilities and the help of my team it has come off."
Valverde struggled in the final climb to finish 3:11 behind the winner, with Perez moving into second 1:12 behind Heras.
Valverde admitted that he might well have lost the chance of winning the Tour after going to pieces 6km from the summit.
"It was a terrible day," said Valverde, who almost pulled out a week ago because of a heavy fall.
"It is possible that I lost the Tour today (Wednesday)."
Heras said that when he had heard Valverde was in trouble he had decided to turn the screw.
"When my team-mate told me Valverde was suffering I decided to attack," he said.
"I have taken a huge step towards winning the Tour though there is still a way to go."
Thursday's 18th stage is a tough 196.6km ride from Bejar to Aviula which includes several medium sized mountains but often with its short but difficult final climb creates occasions for riders to break away and gain time on their rivals.