Italian Vincenzo Nibali recovered the lead of the Vuelta cycle race following Wednesday's dramatic stage 17 of the three week long cycle race.

Wednesday's stage was a 46 kilometer time trial whose flat profile was perfect for time trial specialists, while the lack of any climbs was a handicap for the specialist climbers.

That became clear as race leader Joaquin Rodriguez began his ride, a specialist climber; the Spaniard began to lose time from the very start and ended the stage 6 minutes and 12 seconds behind stage winner Peter Veltis, who finished in 52 minutes and 43 seconds.

Team Liquigas rider and leader Vincenzo Nibali of Italia celebrates after the 17th stage of the Tour of Spain "La Vuelta" cycling race in Penafiel, September 15, 2010.

Veltis was followed over the line by Denis Menchov, who was 12 seconds slower and 37 ahead ahead of time trial specialist Fabian Cancellara.

Rodriguez's disastrous stage saw him finish the day four minutes and 17 seconds behind the new race leader Nibali, who returns to the lead that he lost after Monday's mountain stage.

Nibali finished 1.55 behind Veltis on the day and would have been closer had he not suffered a flat tyre after just 10 kilometers.

The Italian has a 38 second lead over Ezequiel Mosquera, while Veltis is third overall and Frank Schleck is fourth in the standings.

Thursday's stage 18 is a straightforward 149 kilometers between Valladolid and Salamanca. Its flat terrain will almost certainly end in a sprint finish and it is unlikely that there will be any change in the overall classification.

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