Peter Velits (Team HTC-Columbia) surprisingly beats TT favorite Fabian Cancellara (Team Saxo Bank) in Vuelta a Espana time trial and moves onto Tour of Spain podium; Vincenzo Nibali (Team Liquigas) regrabs overall 2010 Vuelta a Espana lead.

Peter Velits powered to victory in the 2010 Vuelta a Espana's individual time trial earlier today, surprisingly beating pre-time trial favorite Fabian Cancellara (Team Saxo Bank).

Velits finished 12 seconds ahead of Russian Denis Menchov in the flat 45 kilometer time trial in Peñafiel, a performance that moves the Slovak rider into third place overall behind Italy's Vincenzo Nibali (Team Liquigas) and Ezequiel Mosquera of Spain. Velits' victory is his first of the 2010 season.

Vuelta leader Joaquim Rodriguez (Team Katusha) turned in a poor performance and dropped to fifth on the overall rankings.

"This is is my first victory in a time trial, too," Velits commented after the finish and added "and to be able to do that in the Vuelta is something almost unbelievable.  It's a big but very nice surprise for both me and the team.  I knew the key would be going all out in the return section, where there was a strong tailwind and I was able to make most of the difference there."

"Seeing [rival] Tom Danielson ahead of me on the road but slowly closing the gap on him really boosted my morale, too, and I could keep up a high pace," Velits continued.

"It's really nice to be able to reach a special number like 100 victories in 2010 with such an important win," Team HTC-Columbia team manager Rolf Aldag stated and also said  "A victory in the time trial of the Vuelta is pretty unique.  Peter could hold onto third, because the chance of being on the podium of the Vuelta could motivate him to find that little bit extra in the last mountain stage of the race (on Saturday, ed.).  Whatever happens, though, he's pulled off an exceptional result, and we're very proud of him."

Stay tuned to Roadcycling.com for extensive 2010 Vuelta a Espana coverage including news, results, interviews and video highlights from every stage. Spread the word about our 2010 Vuelta coverage and please support our advertisers - they make our Tour of Spain 2010 coverage possible! When not at your computer, visit our mobile cycling magazine Roadcycling.mobi from your mobile phone or download our new cycling app for Nokia phones.