Omega Pharma - Quick-Step Cycling Team had Niki Terpstra in the first breakaway of the day, but the decisive move of the race was made by Alberto Contador (Saxo Bank - Tinkoff Bank) with 49km to go in the 183km Stage 17 of La Vuelta a Espana.
While Contador slowly built his advantage on current red jersey wearer Joaquin Rodriguez (Katusha Team) and Alejandro Valverde (Movistar), he attacked again out of a small lead group with less than 20km to go. Initially accompanied by Paolo Tiralongo (Astana Pro Team) he eventually dropped Tiralongo as well. Valverde, who was with Rodriguez in a chase group, also dropped Rodriguez with about 8km to go in the stage.
Valverde caught up with several of Contador's former break mates, but Contador was able to hold off Valverde by 6" for the stage victory. He also crossed the line 2'37" ahead of Rodriguez. As a result of Contador's surprise aggression, on a flatter stage, he took the red jersey from Rodriguez. Valverde also overtook Rodriguez for 2nd overall.
Serge Pauwels was the top OPQS finisher, in 35th place (+5'19"). OPQS looks next to a 204.5km stage 18 on Thursday.