LA CAMPERONA, Spain (AP) – Ryder Hesjedal of Canada won a mountainous 14th stage of the Spanish Vuelta cycling race today, while Alberto Contador held onto the red leader’s jersey for a fourth straight day.
Hesjedal, a former Giro d’Italia winner riding for Garmin Sharp, edged Oliver Zaugg in the final metres of the summit ascent to claim the 201-kilometer (125-mile) ride from Santander to La Camperona featuring two category-one climbs.
According to provisional results, Contador increased his lead to 42 seconds over nearest rival Alejandro Valverde, who finished more than 22 seconds behind the five-time grand tour winner.
Tomorrow’s 15th stage is a 152-kilometre (94-mile) ride from Oviedo to the Lagos de Covadonga special-category peak.
The 21-stage races ends on September 14.
