Joaquin Rodriguez held a slim overall lead Vuelta on Alberto Contador in this year's Vuelta a Espana after finishing seventh in the time trial earlier Wednesday.

Team Astana's Fredrik Kessiakoff powers to individual time trial victory in Vuelta a Espana ahead of Alberto Contador (Team Saxo Bank-Tinkoff Bank) and Team Sky Procycling's Chris Froome of Great Britain; Joaquim Rodriguez leads 2012 Vuelta by one second.

Team Argos-Shimano's John Degenkolb won the 10th stage of the Vuelta a Espana earlier this afternoon - thereby securing his fourth stage victory in this year's race.

Germany's John Degenkolb of Team Argos-Shimano blasts to his fourth stage victory in 2012 Vuelta a Espana; Joaquim Rodriguez keeps overall Vuelta a Espana lead before tomorrow's individual time trial.

Former Belgian national champion Philippe Gilbert (Team BMC Racing) won stage 9 of the 2012 Vuelta a Espana earlier this afternoon, just in front of Team Katusha's Vuelta leader Joaquin Rodriguez of Spain.

Team BMC Racing's Philippe Gilbert rides to stage 9 victory in 2012 Vuelta a Espana; Joaquim Rodriguez increases overall Vuelta a Espana lead before the first rest day of this year's Vuelta.

Alejandro Valverde climbs to stage victory in 2012 Vuelta a Espana; Joaquim Rodriguez leads Vuelta a Espana overall ahead of Christopher Froome and Alberto Contador

Germany's John Degenkolb underlined his status as the 2012 Vuelta a Espana's strongest sprinter earlier this afternoon with a third victory in just six days.

Stage 7 of the 2012 Vuelta a Espana was won by John Degenkolb, cementing his position as the strongest sprinter of the race; Joaquim Rodriguez maintains overall Vuelta a Espana lead ahead of Christopher Froome and Alberto Contador

Joaquim Rodriguez rides to victory stage 6 of the 2012 Vuelta a Espana and increases his overall race lead ahead of Christopher Froome and Alberto Contador.