Lastras ditches pain for Vuelta's win

Agence France-Presse, Collado Villalba, Spain

Spaniard Pablo Lastras swapped the pain of the operating table for the joy of the Tour of Spain podium here Wednesday when he won the Tour's 166.1-kilometer 11th stage from Alcobendas to Collado Villalba.

As Lastras collected his second stage, compatriot Oscar Sevilla of the Kelme team retained the leader's gold jersey after the two-climb stage held to the north of Spain capital of Madrid.

It has been a successful few days for Lastras, the iBanesto.com team rider whose injury-hampered career looked much brighter on Sunday when he won the ninth stage at Cordoba.

The 26-year-old, who has undergone an astounding nine times during his short career, said this season he just had to take advantage injury-free form.

"I have to make the most of my current good shape. I've done everything in my power to make sure I was fit for the end of the season," smiled Lastras, whose shins, ribs, back and knees have all been operated on in the past.

A fully-fit Lastras also took advantage of Tuesday's rest day, admitting: "I've rested well."

After two first category climbs, Lastras held off Basque rider Haimar Zubeldia and Denmark's Klaus Moller in the sprint to cross the line in 3 hours 55 minutes 54 seconds. Most of the favorites, including Sevilla and US Postal's former Vuelta winner Roberto Heras arrived shortly afterwards.

The overall standings changed little with Sevilla still ahead by just one second from teammate and compatriot Aitor Gonzalez. Heras is in third spot more than a minute adrift.

Sevilla, who came second overall last year, is largely expected to hold on to his lead. But he is maintaining that nothing's won yet: "Every day is very open," he said.

Sevilla knows he has a battle on his hands at least until Sunday's climb to Angliru before he even considers celebrating his 26th birthday in winning style next Sunday.

Meanwhile, Kazakhstan's Alexandre Vinokourov, who was sixth overall, did not start the 11th stage due to a fever according to race organizers.

On Thursday, the riders leave the high ground for the 210 kilometers, 12th stage from Segovia to Burgos, the longest stage of the race.