Italy's Alessandro Petacchi claimed his fourth victory in this year's Tour of Spain on Saturday. The Fassa Bortolo rider sprinted to victory in the 167km 14th stage between Albecete and Valdepenas.
The stage also saw the withdrawal of 2002 winner Aitor Gonzalez. The Spaniard, who also pulled out of the Tour de France in July, was 11th overall.
Fred Rodriguez of the United States was second behind Petacchi, with Germany's Erik Zabel third.
Spain's Isidro Nozal retained the leader's gold jersey.
Earlier in the week, Petacchi became the first rider to win three stages in each of the three major tours in one calendar year.
He also won four stages in this year's Tour de France and six in the Tour of Italy.
Leading places in 14th stage:
1 Alessandro Petacchi (Italy) Fassa Bortolo
Three hours 43 minutes 16 seconds
2 Fred Rodriguez (US) Saunier Duval-Vini Calderola
3 Erik Zabel (Germany) Telekom
4 Thomas Bruun (Denmark) CSC
5 Tom Boonen (Belgium) Quick Step-Davitamon
6 Angel Furlan (Italy) Alessio
7 Steven De Jongh (Netherlands) Rabobank
8 Gorka Gonzalez (Spain) Euskaltel-Euskadi
9 Angel Edo (Spain) Milaneza-MSS
10 Alberto Vinale (Italy) Alessio
All same time
Overall standings
1 Isidro Nozal (Spain) ONCE-Eroski 45:39:48
2 Igor Gonzalez de Galdeano (Spain) ONCE-Eroski 3:03 behind
3 Roberto Heras (Spain) US Postal-Berry Floor 5:13
4 Manuel Beltran (Spain) US Postal-Berry Floor 5:39
5 Francisco Mancebo (Spain) Ibanesto.com 7:12
6 Alejandro Valverde (Spain) Kelme-Costa Blanca 7:50
7 Michael Rasmussen (Denmark) Rabobank 8:44
8 Luis Perez (Spain) Cofidis 8:49
9 Dario Frigo (Italy) Fassa Bortolo 8:50
10 Unai Osa (Spain) Ibanesto.com 10:10
MMIX
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