Froome wins Vuelta time trial to keep hopes of overall victory alive

Chris Froome (Sky) produced an outstanding ride to win the 37 kilometers time trial between Xabia and Calpe in the 19th stage of the Vuelta de Espana cycle race and to keep his hopes of overall victory alive.

Froome began the stage in second place in the overall classification knowing he needed to make up 3 minutes and 37 seconds on race leader Nairo Quintana (Movistar), but also that he is an excellent time trialist, who recently won the bronze medal in the Rio Olympics, while Quintana's climber's frame means he lacks the power for the discipline.

Jonathan Castroviejo (Movistar) was the early pace-setter with a time of 47.17 for the stage, but Froome destroyed that by 43 seconds to set a time of 46.33 and rode so quickly he even overtook Esteban Chaves, who set out before him, on the road.

Quintana finished 11th on the day, with a time of 48.49, to cede 2.16 to Froome on a stage where he saw his rival extend his advantage by 43 seconds at every checkpoint.

However, the Colombian managed to retain his lead in the overall classification and will take a 1 minute and 21 second advantage into Saturday's 193 kilometers stage between Benidorm and the Alto de Aitana.

The 20th stage of the race contains four second category climbs and finishes on the special category Alto de Aitana and will be decisive.

Froome will have to attack Quintana, but the Colombian will be hopeful that the strength in depth of his Movistar team will allow him to defend his advantage ahead of Sunday's short flat stage into Madrid. Enditem