MADRID - David de la Cruz from Etixx Quick Step became the first Spaniard to win a stage in this year's Vuelta de Espana (Tour of Spain) cycle race when he claimed the ninth stage between Cistierna and Oviedo on Sunday.

De la Cruz's efforts to get the better of a large breakaway group, which finished almost three minutes ahead of the group containing race leader Nairo Quintana, as well as Alejandro Valverde and Chris Froome, saw him replace Quintana as the overall race leader at the end of a day containing five categorized climbs, finishing with a second category climb to the finish line.

It was a well-deserved reward for the Spaniard, who last year was forced out of the race after breaking his collar bone.

De la Cruz finished 27 seconds ahead of second placed Dries Devenyns and has a 22-second advantage over Nairo Quintana in the overall standings.

He will now defend his lead on Monday's punishing stage which finishes with the special category climb up to the Lagos de Covadonga, one of the toughest stages of the race, which comes before the riders enjoy a well-earned rest day.