Quintana keeps his lead as Spanish Vuelta resumes

Updated Mar. 5, 2020 12:19 a.m. ET

foxsports

LLUCENA, Spain (AP) Nairo Quintana of Colombia maintained his comfortable lead over Chris Froome as the Spanish Vuelta entered its final stages on Wednesday.

Mathias Frank of Switzerland broke from the peloton to win the 177.5-kilometer (110-mile) 17th stage from Castellon to Llucena, with Quintana crossing the line along with Froome and his other close followers to maintain a 3 minute, 37 second lead with four days to go.

Esteban Chaves of Colombia remains a further 20 seconds back in the overall standings, with Spain's Alberto Contador close behind in fourth place.

Britain's Froome lagged behind through the final ascent, but was able to catch up with Quintana and avoid losing more time.

Frank charged to the front with about 30 kilometers (18 miles) left and held on for the victory.