Duarte stamps his authority on Asturias

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Fabio Duarte (Cafe De Colombia - Colombia Es Pasion) claimed the overall race lead at the Vuelta Asturias Julio Alvarez Mendo, with an impressive display of climbing to claim the event's fourth stage. The Colombian had attacked with teammate and compatriot Alex Cano over six kilometres from the summit finish at the Alto del Acebo before surging away in the final two kilometres to take a 16 second victory.

Cano finished second, while overnight race leader Beñat Intxausti (Euskaltel-Euskadi) finished third, 1:10 down on the stage winner. The final margin meant Intxausti lost his hold on the leader's jersey, and he now sits second overall behind Duarte, who will take a 19 second lead into the final stage on Sunday.

Although the stage result was decided on the final climb, the day had been marked by a 13-man escape group. Jorge Azanza (Euskaltel-Euskadi), Enrique Mata and Giampaolo Cheula (both Footon-Servetto), Antonio Piedra (Andalucia - Cajasur), Marcos Garcia (Xacobeo-Galicia), Javier Etxarri (Spanish National Team), Andoni Blázquez (Orbea), Diego Gallego (Burgos 2016 - Castilla Y Leon), Fader Ardila (Cafe De Colombia - Colombia Es Pasion), David De La Cruz (Caja Rural), Celestino Pinho (Loule - Louletano), Nelson Victorino (Palmeiras Resort - Tavira) and Fortunato Baliani (Miche) the men to get away.

The selection had established after 35 kilometre,s and held its lead for almost 110 kilometres before being closed down by Euskaltel-Euskadi at the base of the final climb.