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Big German sprinter Andre Greipel moved back into the green jersey after securing a hat-trick of wins in the Vuelta.

The Columbia-HTC rider is dominating the sprints in this year's race almost as much as his team-mate Mark Cavendish did during the Tour de France.

Unlike Cav, however, it looks like the Gorilla is on course to take the points competition - and all this in spite of controversial ruling which saw him lose 25 points after finishing (along with around 50 other riders) outside the allotted time limit on Saturday.

The "crazy decision" saw Greipel's lead in the green jersey competition drop to just six points over Alejandro Valverde, who then moved into the top spot after finishing fifth atop the Pandera.

With Valverde already in gold, Greipel kept the green jersey warm for the past two stages - but now wears it outright after his latest scalp.

The 27-year-old may not be able match Cavendish's six stage wins from the Tour - there are just two flat finishes left - but he is already talking about competing alongside the Manxman in next year's Grande Boucle.

Blazin' Saddles is a big fan of Greipel's attitude - it's refreshing to see a sprinter with some balls and a willingness to stick things out. Unlike most of cycling's top sprinters, already on the plane to Mendrisio, Greipel intends to get to Madrid and complete the job before packing his bags for the Worlds.

Winning on Tuesday was a big thing for Greipel, who said afterwards that it was the anniversary of the deaths of both his grandfather and one of his best friends.

Two more stage wins and the green jersey will be just reward for one of the peloton's fighters and most consistent finishers.

While we're on the topic of jerseys, it was revealed today by Vuelta officials that the leader's jersey will turn from gold to red for next year's race.

Red will indeed be the colour of the organisers' faces if this year's likely winner, Valverde, sees his Italian ban made global for his alleged involvement in Operacion Puerto.

QUOTES OF THE DAY: "If you list three riders in Belgium, you list Tom Boonen, Devolder and Gilbert. Right? Other than Boonen, nobody has a record like I do." Stijn Devolder shows his frustration at being overlooked for the initial six-man Belgium squad for the Worlds.

"I get accused of being a **** rider because I don't win. But sometimes there are things that are beyond my control." Cadel Evans blows off some steam after his unfortunate puncture over the weekend ended his chances of victory.

Speaking to Bicycling magazine, the Australian added: "I think before people start pointing fingers and stating big opinions they should look at the facts. I'm not such a bad rider! But I am not going to cry about it. I'm just going to do the best I can."

Follow Blazin' Saddles throughout the day on www.twitter.com/saddleblaze

STAGE 17 LIVE at 3pm on Wednesday on British Eurosport (Sky 410 / Virgin Media 521); Also available on your PC via the Eurosport Player - click on the link under the picture to subscribe

Felix Lowe / Eurosport