LLUCENA, Spain (AP) — Nairo Quintana of Colombia maintained his comfortable lead over Chris Froome as the Spanish Vuelta entered its final stages on Wednesday.
Mathias Frank of Switzerland broke from the peloton to win the 177.5-kilometer (110-mile) 17th stage from Castellon to Llucena, with Quintana crossing the line along with Froome and his other close followers to maintain a 3 minute, 37 second lead with four days to go.
Esteban Chaves of Colombia remains a further 20 seconds back in the overall standings, with Spain's Alberto Contador close behind in fourth place.
"I've done well defending my position and I hope to keep doing that in the final days," said Quintana, a two-time runner-up at the Tour de France who is seeking his first Spanish Vuelta title.