Gustavo César Veloso wins stage nine of Tour of Spain as Alejandro Valverde takes lead

Alejandro Valverde has taken the overall lead in the Tour of Spain after Gustavo César Veloso won the 189-kilometre ninth stage in Xorret del Catí.

Veloso, of Spain, was strong enough to hold off the challenge of compatriot David de la Fuente and the chasing pack after the Xacobeo-Galicia rider was first over the top of the category one Alto Xorret del Catí.

As spectators crowded the final climb of the second mountain stage of the Tour, which at times reached a gradient of 20 per cent, Valverde, as expected, tested Cadel Evans's mettle as he attempted to drop the Australian as they reached the summit.

Evans, however, was quick to respond and kept pace with the Caisse D'Epargne rider. Not so Ivan Basso who fell off Evans's wheel.

With Veloso reaching speeds of almost 90km per-hour he managed to avoid being swallowed up by Valverde’s chasing pack as the 29 year-old won his first stage in a Grand Tour.

Valverde, who started the day just two seconds adrift of Evans in the overall general classification, was third across the line after Marco Marzano, the Italian Liquigas rider.

Meanwhile Evans appeared to be obstructed by Robert Gesink, of Holland, in the closing metres.

As the pair crossed the line an angry looking Evans appeared to have strong words with the Radobank rider.

The race continues on Tuesday with the 171km 10th stage from Alicante to Murcia.