Chris Froome wins 11th stage of Vuelta a Espana

Team Sky rider takes stage from Colunga to Pena Cabarga ahead of Nairo Quintana

Chris Froome celebrates winning the 11th stage of the Vuelta a Espana. Photograph: Epae
Chris Froome celebrates winning the 11th stage of the Vuelta a Espana. Photograph: Epae

Chris Froome won Wednesday's 11th stage as the Vuelta a Espana resumed following Tuesday's rest day.

The 31-year-old Team Sky rider won the 168.6-kilometres stage from Colunga to Pena Cabarga, which concluded atop a steep 6km climb.

Five years after winning on the same ascent in the 2011 Vuelta, three-time Tour de France champion Froome accelerated clear to win ahead of Nairo Quintana (Movistar), who retained the overall lead.

Colombia’s Quintana now has a 54-second advantage over Froome, who has climbed up to second place.

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Spain's Alejandro Valverde (Movistar) had been second overall, but dropped to third, and is now 1min 05secs behind.

Colombia's Esteban Chaves (Orica-Bike Exchange) is fourth, 2:34 behind.

Briton Simon Yates (Orica-Bike Exchange) was sixth on the stage and is seventh overall, 3:25 behind Quintana.

Thursday’s 12th stage is the 193.2km undulating route from Los Corrales de Buelna to Bilbao.