Valderde solos to superb stage win in Tour of Catalunya

The Spaniard pulled clear of the pack with 3km to go, pulling out a huge lead and holding on bravely to close out a five-second victory over Rigoberto Uran and Paolo Tiralongo.

Australia's Richie Porte retained the lead in the General Classification.

"It was a really beautiful day for all of us," said Movistar's Valverde.

"When I saw a gap, I digged, I was able to leave them behind and snatch those five more seconds...

"I think I'm doing a pretty good work in this Volta, as well myself as the whole team, and we're really happy. Let's see what happens until Sunday in Montjuïc. We already did great and we'll fight for what it's left.

"The GC is close, we're pretty much equal when it comes to energy and even the bonus seconds might be key."

1. Alejandro Valverde (Spain / Movistar) 4:25:52"

2. Rigoberto Uran (Colombia / Etixx - Quick-Step) +5"

3. Paolo Tiralongo (Italy / Astana)

4. Richie Porte (Australia / Team Sky)

5. Fabio Aru (Italy / Astana)

6. Domenico Pozzovivo (Italy / AG2R)

7. Alberto Contador (Spain / Tinkoff - Saxo)

8. David Lopez (Spain / Team Sky) +12"

9. Darwin Atapuma (Colombia / BMC Racing) +5"

10. Tejay van Garderen (U.S. / BMC Racing)

1. Richie Porte (Australia / Team Sky) 22:58:20"

2. Domenico Pozzovivo (Italy / AG2R) +5"

3. Alberto Contador (Spain / Tinkoff - Saxo) +7"

4. Alejandro Valverde (Spain / Movistar) +16"

5. Rigoberto Uran (Colombia / Etixx - Quick-Step) +18"

6. Fabio Aru (Italy / Astana) +27"

7. Darwin Atapuma (Colombia / BMC Racing) +33"

8. Rafael Valls (Spain / Lampre) +43"

9. Wilco Kelderman (Netherlands / LottoNL) +1:09"

10. Daniel Martin (Ireland / Cannondale) +1:35"