Millar bags Stage 14

ByEurosport

Published 09/09/2006 at 12:54 GMT

Brit David Millar took stage 14 of the Vuelta Espana with a superb time trial in Cuenca on Saturday. Fabian Cancellara came second, with Alexandre Vinokourov third and Alejandro Valverde coming an excellent fourth to retain the yellow jersey.

CYCLING Vuelta 2006 Peloton feature David Millar Saunier Duval

Image credit: dpa

The Saunier Duval rider blew the opposition away with a superb final third to set a time of 40:54, less than a second ahead of Cancellara of Team CSC.

It was Millar's first win since his return from the ban for taking the blood-booster erythropoietin (EPO) which also cost him his 2003 world time trial title.

"This victory proves that it is possible to race and win at the highest level in cycling without using banned drugs," said Millar, whose first race back was the Tour de France.

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"I lost everything when I got banned but now I'm back, it's fantastic."

"I was as nervous as a junior before this time trial, but I controlled my pace well and it worked out fine."

Millar said his next objective would be the world championships time trial on September 20th.

Vinukourov's third place came five seconds later after he set the fastest opening intermediates but he could not hold his pace to the finish.

Valverde's fourth place was unexpected, the Spaniard proving his mettle and surely favourite for a Vuelta victory after extending his overall lead over Andrey Kashechkin - who came fifth and had been expected to close on Valverde - from 35 to 48 seconds.

"I'm very pleased, I went all out from the gun and then pushed it even harder on the climb mid-stage," Valverde told reporters.

"Vinokourov is turning into my toughest rival, but I'm pleased with my performance anyway."

"The last week is going to be tough, although it's not been easy up to now. I've taken another step in the right direction."

Carlos Sastre came 8th on the day to stay in third.

Vuelta a Espana