Spain's Rodriguez wins Vuelta's 18th stage

0 Comments | AFP, September, 2007

TALAVERA DE LA REINA, Spain (AFP) — Spaniard Luis Perez Rodriguez, riding for Caja Sur, won Thursday's 153.5km 18th stage of the Tour of Spain between Talavera de la Reina and Avila.

However Russia's Denis Menchov fought off continued attacks by the third-placed Spaniard Carlos Sastre to retain the leader's gold jersey.

Rodriguez, who announced his retirement at the end of the Vuelta on Sunday, finished 41 seconds ahead of a dozen riders which included Menchov and his main rivals, Sastre and Australian Cadel Evans, who moved into second place overall after the stage.

"I'm the happiest person in the world," said Rodriguez, 33. The stage was decided during the first climb on the category one Mijares with Sastre attacking to try and close the gap on Menchov who...