Kiryienka wins Vuelta stage, Nibali clings to lead

PENA CABARGA, Spain (AP) Vasil Kiryienka of Belarus broke away before a final grueling ascent to win the 18th stage of the Spanish Vuelta on Thursday, while overall leader Vincenzo Nibali saw his advantage over Christopher Horner cut to three seconds with three days to go.

Kiryienka finished the 186.5-kilometer (116-mile) route starting in Burgos and passing over four major climbs before a final uphill push to Pena Cabarga in nearly five hours. Four more riders slowly pedaled over the finish line before the group of favorites arrived.

The 41-year-old Horner used an impressive burst to pull away from Nibali over the final 200 meters where the slope reached 20 degrees, gaining 25 seconds on his rival.

"We'll see what happens from here to Madrid," said Nibali. "With what Horner has shown us, it will be difficult to withstand his attacks. But I will try to do so with everything I have."

This was the first of three decisive mountain stages in northern Spain before the grand tour's traditional finish in the Spanish capital on Sunday.

After parting the raucous crowds encouraging him up the narrow mountain road, Kiryienka had time to zip up his Sky team jersey and blow a kiss as he crossed the finish line.

"Five years ago I was second in a stage at the Vuelta, and I really wanted to win a stage here," said Kiryienka. "I also really wanted to give something back to my team after they had believed so much in me this year."

Nibali maintained the red leader's maillot for another day, but Horner looked to be the fresher rider heading into the final days of the race.

After Horner neutralized an attack by Joaquim Rodriguez and two more of his Katusha teammates, the veteran American rider for RadioShack-Leopard surged up the mountain with his backside never touching the bicycle seat.

Nibali, the Giro d'Italia winner, also lost time to Rodriguez and fellow challenger Alejandro Valverde. After Horner, Valverde is 1:09 off Nibali's pace and Rodriguez is 2:24 back.

"Horner set an incredible pace," said Nibali. "He left us all behind and took time from me, Valverde and Purito (Rodriguez). It's unbelievable what he is doing at his age."