Spaniard Gustavo Cesar Veloso took a solo win on stage nine of the 2009 Vuelta a Espana earlier today and his compatriot Alejandro Valverde moved into the overall lead.

Second behind the Xacobeo-Galicia rider on the mountainous stage from Alcoy to Xorret de Cati was Italy's Marco Marzano.

Valverde finished third on the stage and leads the race from Australia's Cadel Evans and Dutchman Robert Gesink.

“Tomorrow we arrive home and to enter Murcia with the golden jersey on my shoulders is very important for me and all the fans who will be waiting for me. I am really happy I was able to realize this dream to have the opportunity to go through my region with this jersey. I dedicate it to all the people who are at my side everyday and particularly to my sons, Ivan and Alejandro,” Valverde told Roadcycling.com after the stage.

The Tour of Spain finishes in Madrid on Sept. 20.

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