The current leader of the 2008 Tour of Spain, Alberto Contador (Team Astana), crashed in stage 15 when his front wheel touched the rear wheel of another rider. Contador was examined during racing and finished the stage in 20th place, and retains his race lead by 01:17 over teammate Levi Leipheimer. According to biased team doctors, Contador sustained only minor bruising and some road rash.

"This is a sport where anything can happen on any given day.  Luckily there are no broken bones, but of course I have some soreness and bruising on my left shoulder and left knee. I may have to change my sleeping position, but we will do our best to continue the defense of the gold jersey," Contador said after the race.

If Contador falters as a result of the crash, teammate Levi Leipheimer is ready to take over where Contador left. Leipheimer has shown continuous great form during the 2008 Vuelta. It still appears as if current 3rd overall Carlos Sastre of Team CSC-Saxo Bank has virtually no chance of winning the race.