Italian cyclist Damiano Cunego has won the eighth stage of the Tour of Spain while Australian Cadel Evans has taken the overall lead.

Cunego made a powerful climb up the final ascent to Alto de Aitana Sunday to finish the 204.7-kilometer mountain stage from Alzira to Aitana in 06:04:54 – 33 seconds ahead of David Moncoutie and 36 seconds ahead of Robert Gesink.

The first mountain stage featured eight climbs including the final ascent to Aitana peak, a 21.7-kilometer climb with an average gradient of 5.7 percent.

Evans placed fourth in the stage to take the overall lead. He is two seconds ahead of Spaniard Alejandro Valverde. Samuel Sanchez of Spain is third, eight seconds back.

Monday’s stage is a 188.8-kilometer mountain stage from Alcoy to Xorret del Cati.

By VOA News