Spain’s Juan Jose Cobo of the Fuji team won the 179.8km-long 19th stage of the Tour of Spain between Avila and here on Friday, with Alejandro Valverde consolidating his overall lead after finishing second.

Caisse d’Epargne rider Valverde did well to resist a series of attacks from his closest rivals, notably compatriot Samuel Sanchez (Euskatel), during the last stage in the mountains.

Dutchman Robert Gesink of Rabobank was the biggest loser on the day.

Starting the day in second place overall, 32 seconds behind Valverde, Gesink was hindered by the after-effects of a fall on Wednesday and finished over four minutes off Cobo’s pace.

Valverde now has a comfortable 1min 26sec lead over Sanchez, the new second-placed rider, going into Saturday’s 27.8km individual time-trial in Toledo.

The battle for the lower places is warming up with Italy’s Ivan Basso in third place at 1min 45sec and Cadel Evans of Australia in fourth overall, 1min 59sec off the lead.

“I could have pushed but I didn’t want to take any more risks because the road wasn’t good and I could have lost second place in the overall classification,” said Sanchez.

“The gap to Valverde is big and he is very strong.”

Valverde was happy with his outing.

“It went well even if I am a little nervous,” he said.

Cobo dedicated his win to the Fuji team.

“It’s an important win for the team. We wanted to win a stage because it’s not been a very good season.”

The race finishes in Madrid on Sunday.

Photos by: CorVos Pro