Vuelta a Espana: Chris Froome finishes third in time trial stage

Chris Froome

Britain's Chris Froome closed the gap on Vuelta a Espana leader Joaquin Rodriguez but lost second place in the overall standings after finishing third in the 11th stage.

Sweden's Frederik Kessiakoff won the 39km individual time trial stage with a time of 52 minutes and 36 seconds.

Alberto Contador was 17 seconds behind in second and Froome 39 seconds behind.

Overall leader Rodriguez is one second ahead of Contador with Froome third, 16 seconds behind the leader.

Froome, who was favourite to win the time trial stage, had started the day trailing Rodriguez by 53 seconds.

While he ultimately moved closer to the red jersey, it was Contador who gained the most ground on Wednesday.

The Spaniard was seemingly at ease on a climb of about 10km up Monte Castrove to claw back 22 seconds on Froome and put him within touching distance of Rodriguez.

It could have been worse for Rodriguez, who had feared the chasing pack would close on him on Wednesday, but he produced a gutsy performance to cross in the seventh best time and cling on to his lead.

Stage 11 results:

1. Fredrik Kessiakoff (Sweden/Astana) 52:36:00"

2. Alberto Contador (Spain/Saxo Bank) at +17"

3. Chris Froome (Britain/Team Sky) +39"

4. Alejandro Valverde (ESP/Movistar) +1:08"

5. Benat Intxausti (Spain/Movistar) +1:09"

General classification after 11 stages:

1. Joaquin Rodriguez (Spain/Katusha) 40:26:15"

2. Alberto Contador (Spain/Saxo Bank) at +01"

3. Chris Froome (Britain/Team Sky) +16"

4. Alejandro Valverde (Spain/Movistar) +59"

5. Robert Gesink (Netherlands/Rabobank) at +2:27"