Belgium’s Philippe Gilbert won the 12th stage of La Vuelta a Espana.
Italy’s Vincenzo Nibali managed to hold onto the leader’s jersey.
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World champion Philippe Gilbert won the 12th stage of the Spanish Vuelta.
The Belgian riding for BMC, caught Edvald Boasson and moved past him in the final yards to cross first in the 102-mile stage from Maella to Tarragona on the Mediterranean coast.
The 13th stage on Friday remains in the northeastern region of Catalonia for a second straight flat stage, a 105-mile route from Valls to Castelldefels.
The three-week race then heads back into the mountains for a trilogy of stages in the Pyrenees.
“It’s been a very nice day. I’m very happy to win here. I have family here in this area and I was happy to see them, and especially very happy to win so close from them.”
Vincenzo Nibali retained the leader’s jersey.
The Italian, who rides for the Astana Team, provisionally maintained a 31-second lead over Nicolas Roche.
“Good sensations. I am calm. A very fast stage today. We have controlled the race today very calmly and without problems.”
