MADRID, Aug. 26 (Xinhua) -- Veteran Spanish rider Alejandro Valverde of Movistar won the second stage of the three-week Vuelta de Espana (Tour of Spain) on Sunday.
The 38-year-old was able to hold off Michael Kwiatkovski of Sky who finished in second place for the second consecutive day, but has the consolation of going into the overall leader's red jersey, 14 seconds ahead of the Spaniard.
After Laurens de Plus of Quick Step Floors launched a brave solo attack with just over a kilometer left on the stage, 38-year-old Valverde was able to draw him back in the last 500 meters and then dig deep when Kwiatkovski overtook him with around 200 meters to the finish line.
The 163.5 kilometer stage from Marbella to Caminito del Rey was described as a 'flat' stage, but ran over rolling terrain with three third category mountains and a grueling 7-kilometer climb to the finish line.
There was a breakaway off the front of the main 'peleton' for much of the race, but once that was reeled in with around 20 kilometers remaining the Sky and Movistar teams looked to control the race from the front.
The hot conditions saw several pre-race favorites suffer and lose contact with the main group with Richie Porte of BMC and Simon Yates of Michelton-Scott and Vincenzo Nibali of Bahrain Merida all saying goodbye to their options after just the second stage, to highlight that this year's Vuelta is one of the most open 'Grand Tours' in years.
Tuesday sees a 178.2 kilometer 'half mountain' stage from Mijas to Alhuarin de la Torre with temperatures of above 35 degrees centigrade again expected to complicate life for the riders.