MADRID, Sept. 7 (Xinhua) -- Cesar Veloso became the first Spanish rider to claim a stage as he was first over the line in stage nine of the three week long Vuelta de Espana cycle race.

    Veloso produced a brave climb and rapid finish on the last mountain of a complicated stage to take the stage, whereas Valverde showed his pace in the last 400 meters to finish ahead of Cadel Evans, who had started the day in the leaders jersey.

Xacobeo Galicia rider Gustavo cesar Veloso of Spain celebrates after winning the 9th stage of the Tour of Spain "La Vuelta" cycling race between Alcoy and Xorret del Cati, September 7, 2009.(Xinhua/Reuters Photo) Photo Gallery>>>

    The 188.8-kilometer stage between the towns of Alcoy and Xorretde Cati, south of Valencia, was similar to Sunday's stage with several small and medium sized climbs, with the largest just before the finish.

    Once again heat and humidity made life difficult for the riders, especially on the ramps of the final climb, some of which reached gradients of 18 per cent.

    The stage was dominated by a six man breakaway which looked certain to arrive at the finish line as it had a lead of over 6 minutes with just 20 kilometers remaining to the finish.

    The main group began to work with 15 kilometers remaining and rapidly pulled the escapees back until only Rein Taamarae remained struggling on.

    Taamarae was visibly exhausted and was finally overtaken near the summit of the last climb, the Alto de Xorret de Cati, by CesarVeloso, who held his nerve on the rapid descent to the finish.

    But perhaps the main interest was just behind the stage winner as race leader Evans as well as favorites Valverde and Ivan Basso raced neck and neck up the final climb.

    Evans matched Valverde's attacks, but the Spanish rider was faster in the sprint to the finish line and finished in third place to take the overall lead thanks to time modifications.

    There was bad news for Euskaltel Euskadi rider Samuel Sanchez, another race favorite. Sanchez suffered a fall on Sunday and it clearly affected him as he was unable to keep in touch in the final climb.

Xacobeo Galicia rider Gustavo Cesar Veloso of Spain celebrates after winning the 9th stage of the Tour of Spain "La Vuelta" cycling race between Alcoy and Xorret del Cati, September 7, 2009. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo) Photo Gallery>>>