David Lopez (AFP)

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Alcoy - David Lopez of Spain won the ninth stage of the Spanish Vuelta on Sunday, while Igor Anton retained the overall leader's red jersey.

The Caisse d'Epargne rider broke away from a five-man group with five kilometers to go in the 187.7km leg that featured seven special category climbs along the southeast Spain route.

Lopez completed his first stage victory at a major race in 5 hours 20 minutes 51 seconds.

Roman Kreuzinger of the Czech Republic was five-seconds behind and Gianpaolo Caruso of Italy crossed the line third.

Anton, the overnight leader, was first ahead of fellow Spanish rider Joaquin Fernandez despite sharing the same overall time. Vincenzo Nibali of Italy remained two seconds behind.

Stage Nine Results:

1. David Lopez (Spain / Caisse d'Epargne) 5hrs 20 mins 51 secs
2. Roman Kreuziger (Czech Republic / Liquigas) +6"
3. Giampaolo Caruso (Italy / Katusha) +13"
4. David Moncoutie (France / Cofidis) +21"
5. Blel Kadri (France / AG2R) +27"
6. Egoi Martinez (Spain / Euskaltel) +30"

Overall standings

|1. Igor Anton (Spain / Euskaltel) 37 hrs 56 mins 42 secs
2. Joaquim Rodriguez (Spain / Katusha) Same time
3. Vincenzo Nibali (Italy / Liquigas) +2 secs
4. Xavier Tondo (Spain / Cervelo) +42"
5. Jean Christophe Peraud (France/Omega Pharma-Lotto) +52"
6. Ruben Plaza (Spain / Caisse d'Epargne) +1:15"
7. Ezequiel Mosquera (Spain / Xacobeo) +1:18"
8. Nicolas Roche (Ireland / AG2R) +1:19"
9. Marzio Bruseghin (Italy / Caisse d'Epargne) +1:22"
10. Peter Velits (Slovakia / HTC - Columbia) +1:26"