Luis Perez Rodriguez (Andalucia-Cajasur)

AVILA, Sep 20 (CP) - Stage 18 in the Vuelta a España has been won by home rider Luis Perez Rodriguez, riding for the relatively unknown Andalucia-Cajasur team.

The eighteenth stage consisted of a 154km course from Talavera de la Reina to Avila, and had some minor climbs where general classification contenders would have to watch their rivals.

CSC launched a large attack with their leader Carlos Sastre, but this attempt eventually formed a group of favorites including Menchov, Evans and Samuel Sanchez.

With fifteen kilometers to go and thirteen riders left in the front group, it was Perez Rodriguez to try his luck and leave the big names behind.

The Spaniard went on to take the victory, 41 seconds ahead of the rest.

Pellizotti won the sprint for second place, ahead of Cadel Evans. Russian Denis Menchov of Rabobank did well to defend his advantage in the overall classification.

Evans meanwhile, moves into second place and Sastre now occupies the third place.

© Jonathan Roorda