MADRID, Sept. 11 (Xinhua) -- Simon Yates (Mitchelton-Scott) successfully defended his leader's red jersey in the 16th stage of the three-week long Vuelta de Espana (Tour of Spain) cycle race on Tuesday.
The 32-kilometer time trial from Santillana de Mar to Torrelavega (northern Spain) had looked as if it would pose a serious threat to the British rider, who is a specialist climber, but counts the time trial as one of his weaker disciplines and after starting the stage with a slender 26 seconds lead over Alejandro Valverde (Movistar) the Spaniard had been expected to cut Yates' lead, if not replace him in the overall lead.
However, Yates produced an exceptional ride to finish 13th on the stage, seven seconds ahead of Valverde, extending his lead of the race to 33 seconds.
Stefan Kruijswijk (Lotto) moved into third place overall with a fine ride which saw him finish just 51 seconds ahead of stage winner, Rohan Dennis (BMC Racing Team), who completed the course in a time of 37:57.
Meanwhile Nairo Quintana ceded more time and slipped to fourth in the overall standings 1:15 behind Yates.
Wednesday's stage 17 is a tough 157-kilometer ride starting in Getxo (Basque Region, and taking in the city of Bilbao, before passing through Bermeo and Gernika before ending on the relatively short, but steep climb up to the Balcon de Bizkaya. Enditem
