Spain’s Alejandro Valverde wins Vuelta a Espana fourth stage from Estepona to Vejer de la Frontera

HOME favourite Alejandro Valverde triumphed in the Vuelta a Espana’s fourth stage from Estepona to Vejer de la Frontera.

In the beginning of the stage, six riders broke away and maintained at 13-minute lead until the path curved up into the mountains.

Following a crash 33 kilometres from the finish line, which brought down the leader of the BMC team Tejay van Gardenen, Valverde launched an attack from the final corner.

Although Peter Sagan, winner of stage three, put up a fight, Valverde’s superior climbing skills propelled him to the finish line with a 5:07:30 time.

Chris Froome of Team Sky remains in 15th place.