Ireland's Sam Bennett won the third stage of the Vuelta a España ©Getty Images

Ireland's Sam Bennett won the third stage of the Vuelta a España as compatriot Nicolas Roche maintained his overall lead.

Bennett completed the 186 kilometre race from Ibi to Alacant in 4hr 25min 02sec, comfortably beating Edward Theuns of Belgium and Luka Mezgec of Slovakia who finished second and third respectively. 

It was the Bora-Hansgrohe rider's fourth International Cycling Union Grand Tour stage victory, having taken three stages of last year's Giro d'Italia.

Bennett is also the current Irish national champion.

“It means a lot to get another Grand Tour victory, especially in the Irish national champion jersey," he said, as reported by the Irish Times. 

"I am very proud to win in this jersey."

Roche kept his lead in the overall standings, two seconds in front of Nairo Quintana of Colombia. 

Another Colombian, Rigoberto Uran, is eight seconds off the leader. 

Competition continues tomorrow with a a 175.5km stage from Cullera to El Puig.