BILBAO, Spain (AP) — Jens Keukeleire of Belgium won the 12th stage of the Spanish Vuelta, while Nairo Quintana maintained his overall lead on Thursday.
Keukeleire, riding for Orica BikeExchange, used a late burst to pull away and win his first stage at a grand tour by over two bike lengths.
He completed the hilly 193-kilometer (120-mile) route that traversed four ascents between Los Corrales de Buelna and Bilbao in 4 1/2 hours.
Quintana protected his 54-second lead over Chris Froome, before the race enters three consecutive stages in the Pyrenees Mountains.
The two frontrunners held off from attacking one another after back-to-back duels on summit finishes, and crossed the line in the large lead group.