Cyclist Valverde in control after Vuelta second stage win

0 Comments | AFP, August, 2008

JAEN, Spain (AFP) — Spaniard Alejandro Valverde of the Caisse d'Epargne team took the overall race lead after winning the second stage of the Tour of Spain on Sunday, a 176.3 kilometre run from Granada to Jaen.

The 28-year-old finished the stage in four hours and 23 minutes, two seconds ahead of Italy's Davide Rebellin of Gerolsteiner and another Italian, Alessandro Ballan of Lampre.

"The stage was especially suited for sprinters but I knew I would have my chances," said a smiling Valverde who was greeted at the finish line by about a dozen family members, including his eight-month-old twin sons Ivan and Alejandro.

Valverde, who finished second during the Tour of Spain in 2006, is one of the favourites to win the race this year along with compatriots Alberto...