Leonardo Duque (Cofidis)

PUERTOLLANO, Sep 18 (CP) - The sixteenth stage in the Vuelta a España has been won by Colombian Leonardo Fabio Duque of Cofidis, who beat Kolobnev and Horrach in a sprint of three.

With renewed energy after a well-deserved restday, the action began again with a 165km course from Jaén to Puertollano.

The stage suited adventurous riders, as the course was too hilly for sprinters but too flat for overall classification contenders to dominate.

A group of 18 riders was formed with Grabsch, Aerts, Garate, Horrach and Lopez Garcia, and at fifty kilometers from the finish, the advantage over the peloton stood at six minutes.

From there on, the battle began in the front group where one after the other was dropped as results of unexpected attacks and the high overall pace.

At fifteen kilometers, the group had been reduced to just Horrach, Herrero, Kolobnev and Duque.

An attack by Horrach was too much for Herrero, who had to let go of the other three at the 10 kilometers banner.

The three were too strong for a pursuit group of eight and it was likely that one of the riders up front would win the stage.

While Horrach was the favorite to beat his rivals, it was Leonardo Duque to take the victory ahead of Kolobnev. Horrach finished in third position.

Denis Menchov once again finished without difficulties and the Russian maintains his overall lead with just five stages to go.

© Jonathan Roorda