The Movistar rider laid down a big marker as he crossed the line of the 167.1 kilometres stage just ahead of Great Britain's Chris Froome and compatriot Alberto Contador, while Colombia's Nairo Quintana and another Spaniard, Joachim Rodriguez finished fourth and fifth respectively.

The five riders had amassed together for the final ascent inside the last two kilometres of the trek from Benalmádena after reeling in a breakaway group led by Spain's Lluis Mas and Dutchman Pim Ligthart, who were conducting their own private battle in the race for King of the Mountains title.

Katusha's Rodriguez was the first of the leading pack to blink as he pinned his ears back and launched an attack for the line, but he was quickly followed by Valverde.

Team Sky's Froome then upped the pace and dragged Movistar's Quintana and Tinkoff-Saxo's Contador with him as they caught the mini-break with Froome briefly taking the lead.

However, with 150 metres to go, Valverde made the decisive move as he overtook the 2013 Tour de France winner and held on to edge it at the line.

"I was at the front, setting a hard rhythm, we cut it down to 10 to 11 guys," said Valverde.

"When Purito [Rodriguez] went, I followed, and I had the legs to finish it off.

"I am content, because the legs are feeling good.

"Nairo [Quintana] is still there, and there are many mountains to come, but who's to say that when I am feeling good I cannot win a stage?"

Alejandre Valverde celebrates regaining the Vuelta lead as he holds off rivals Chris Froome and Alberto Contador ©AFP/Getty Images



Valverde now holds a 15 second overall lead in general classification ahead of Quintana with Contador 18 seconds off the pace, four seconds ahead of Froome.

Australia's overnight leader Michael Matthews finished well down in the main peloton to relinquish the leader's red jersey.

Both Froome and Contador finished on the same time and appear to have well and truly dispelled any lingering doubts over their fitness after each was forced out of last month's Tour de France following heavy crashes.

"I am content, because I was just hoping to be able to be in the top 10, and there I was at the front, fighting for the stage," said two-time Tour de France winner Contador afterwards.

"I am still not 100 per cent, but today was encouraging.

"I've been suffering these first few days, but the legs are coming around.

"Today was important, and it's a big boost for morale.

"I want to keep taking it day to day, because the hardest part of this Vuelta is still to come."

Tomorrow's 169km seventh stage will take the riders from Alhendín to Alcaudete.

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