Stijn Devolder of Belgium beat the favorites to take the overall lead on the Tour of Spain after the stage-eight time trial was won by German Bert Grabsch.
Discovery Channel rider Devolder was third on the 52-km leg from Carinena to Zaragoza, 48 seconds behind Grabsch and 14 adrift of Hungarian Laszlo Bodrogi.
In the overall standings, the Belgian enjoyed a 30-second advantage over Russian Denis Menchov, the 2005 winner. Overnight leader Vladimir Efimkin of Russia was third, 88 seconds off the pace.
"It was a tough time trial, so exposed and empty there was nowhere to hide, no chance for a moment's recovery." Devolder said, "Menchov is the rider I will have to watch the closest now. He's an excellent climber as well as good in the time trials."
Devolder is bidding to become the first Belgian to win the race since Freddy Maertens in 1977.
Grabsch, the German national time trial champion, was pleased with his stage victory.
"This was my second win of the season so I can see my preparations for the world championships (in Germany on Sept. 25) are on track."
The Vuelta ends in Madrid on Sept. 23.
Source: Xinhua
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