Roche wins second stage in Tour of Spain

His cousin Daniel Martin comes home in 11th place, 14 seconds behind

Ireland’s Nicolas Roche celebrates winning the second stage of the Tour of Spain “La Vuelta” cycling race, between Pontevedra and Alto Do Monte Da Groba, in Baiona. Photograph: Miguel Vidal/Reuters

Sun Aug 25 2013 - 18:23

Ireland's Nicolas Roche took a solo win on stage two of the Vuelta a Espana today while Italy's Vincenzo Nibali grabbed the overall lead.

Spain's Dani Moreno was second, a couple of seconds behind Roche, with Italian Domenico Pozzovivo in third.

Saxo-Tinkoff rider Roche broke away from a group of around 25 riders containing most of the top favourites with a kilometre to go on the Vuelta’s first summit finish, at Alto do Monte da Groba.

Overnight leader Janez Brajkovic lost contact in the final part of the climb, with 2013 Giro d'Italia winner Nibali taking over as the new race leader.

Roche's cousin and fellow Irishman, Daniel Martin, finished in 11th place, 14 seconds behind.