Cycling:Ireland's Nicolas Roche finished sixth on today's third stage of the Vuelta a Espana, a 157km trek through the mountains of southern Andalucia from Marbella to Malaga.
The Ag2r La Mondiale rider came in 15 seconds behind Belgian winner Philippe Gilbert, who crossed the line on the steep uphill finish at Gibralfaro Castle in four hours, six minutes and 12 seconds.
Roche’s performance moved him up to 25th on the overall standings, 51 seconds behind Gilbert.
Ireland’s other competitor, Philip Deignan, did not fare so well, losing contact with the leaders on the first category Puerto del Leon and coming home over 19 minutes behind. Deignan, who suffered a virus in the run-up to the race, is now down in 132nd position.
Second behind Gilbert was Spain's Joaquim Rodriguez, three seconds back, with Spaniard Igor Anton in third, 13 seconds behind.
Best-known as a one-day rider, Gilbert said the final two kilometre finish climb was similar to the finale of the Netherlands' top one-day race, the Amstel Gold Race Classic, which he won this April.
“I came to check out the climb this morning and I could see it was very like the Amstel finish,” he said.
“I think knowing every corner and slight change of gradient on such on a short but difficult ascent made all the difference today.
“I came here for a stage win, but getting the leader's jersey of a big Tour for the first time in my career is a huge added bonus.
“I was close in the Tour de France back in 2007 and once in the Tour of Italy, but today's the first time it happened.”
Overnight leader Mark Cavendish finished over 25 minutes down and moved back to 138th in the overall standings, while Tour de France runner-up Andy Schleck lost over 14 minutes and is now out of overall contention.