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A 187km breakaway by Anthony Roux of France concluded with a narrow victory for the Francaise des Jeux rider in the 17th stage of the Vuelta a Espana in Talavera de la Reina.

Roux, the last survivor of a break of five, squeaked across the finish line metres ahead of the main bunch for his team's first victory in a major Tour this season.

"It was touch and go right the way to the finish," Roux said.

"We'd worked well in the break for most of the day but I got angry when somebody attacked five kilometres from the line. With the bunch at less than a minute behind, that wasn't a good idea.

"I tried not to think about getting caught by the bunch and kept back a little bit for the last couple of kilometres. It all worked out."

Frenchman William Bonnet led in the pack, with Germany's Andre Greipel third.

Overall, Alejandro Valverde of Spain continues to lead the race with four days remaining.

Dutchman Robert Gesink, second overall at 31 seconds, and Spaniard Ezequiel Mosquera, lying sixth, both suffered injuries in a crash with 50km to go.

Gesink had a deep cut in one knee and bruises on his shoulder, while Mosquera hurt his head. Gesink was due to have an X-ray examination of his knee.

World champion Alessandro Ballan of Italy failed to start the stage, making a planned withdrawal from the race in order to train at home before defending his title next Sunday in Mendrisio, Switzerland.

STAGE 18 LIVE at 3pm on Thursday 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.

Eurosport