Xorret del Cati, Spain  - Gustavo Cesar Veloso claimed the first stage win for hosts Spain on Monday and compatriot Alejandro Valverde became the new overall leader in the Tour of Spain.

The Xacobeo Galicia rider Veloso attacked on the final climb of the ninth stage, a mountain ride over 188 kilometres from Alcoy to Xorret del Cati, to win in 5 hours 21 minutes 4 seconds.

Marco Manzano of Italy trailed by 21 seconds in second place and Valverde held off the other favourites to come third with a late surge, 40 seconds behind the winner.

The time bonus for third place allowed Valverde to take the golden jersey of overall Vuelta leader as Australian Cadel Evans dropped to second, seven seconds behind. Dutch rider Robert Gesink is third, 36 seconds off the pace.

Valverde could not compete in the Giro d'Italia and the Tour de France because he is banned from riding in Italy over doping allegations. One stage of the 2009 Tour was partly held in Italy.  dpa