Quintana extends Vuelta lead after Contador stuns Froome

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 10:28 p.m. ET

foxsports

ARAMON FORMIGAL, Spain (AP) A surprise attack by Alberto Contador helped Nairo Quintana boost his lead over Chris Froome to more than three minutes after Sunday's 15th stage of the Spanish Vuelta.

An audacious move by Contador's Tinkoff team caught the peloton off guard with an attack at the start of the short 118.5-kilometer (74-mile) ride in the Pyrenees.

Quintana quickly joined Contador's small breakaway that surprised Froome and isolated him from his Sky teammates who were even further behind.

Quintana increased his 54-second advantage entering the day to 3 minutes, 37 seconds with six stages left.

Movistar's Colombian climber crossed the finish line at the category-one Sallent de Gallego summit second just behind stage winner Gianluca Brambilla.