Aru moves up to fifth overall after crossing the line just one second clear of Froome, who overtook Spaniard Alejandro Valverde to now sit 1min 19sec behind Alberto Contador, who remains in possession of the leader's red jersey.

The 157 kilometres stage from A Estrada ended with back-to-back climbs of Monte Castrove, the latter being the seventh and penultimate summit finish of the race.

An early five-man breakaway was reeled in with 19km to go as the pack braced for the double loop of Monte Castrove.

As the riders began their second climb, Frenchmen Christophe Le Mevel and Warren Barguil launched attacks but were quickly caught by the chasing hoard containing all the main contenders.

With just under four kilometres to go Astana man Aru decided to go for it and pinned his ears back to build up a lead of ten seconds as the finish loomed large.

Froome, the 2013 Tour de France champion, then made his own break and eventually caught the Italian just over a kilometre out.

Contador, Valverde and compatriot Joachim Rodriguez all remained back in the back as they watched Froome lead the charge for the line and, despite losing out in the final sprint, the Briton made up some crucial time on his main rivals.

Italys Fabio Aru held off the challenge of Britain's Chris Froome, who now sits second in general classification with three stages to go of the Vuelta a España ©AFP/Getty Images




"I knew it would be important to make an early attack," said Aru following his second stage win on this year's Vuelta.

"I was hoping if I could open up a gap, I could hold on.

"We worked together when Froome came up, and to win two stages at the Vuelta is just tremendous.

"I trained well here for the Vuelta.

"It's my first time here, so to win two stages is better than I could have hoped.

"I am very happy, even more so with a good position I have in general classification."

Tomorrow's 180.5km stage 19 from Salvaterra do Mino to Cangas do Morrazo includes two category two climbs, the second of which comes just 20km from the finish.

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