Primoz Roglic moved into second in the general classification and closed the gap on leader Enric Mas by over 30 seconds as he finished fourth in the time trial on stage 18 at the Vuelta a Espana.
The four-time Vuelta winner finished in a time of 35 minutes and 41 seconds to reduce the lead of Spaniard Mas, who came 12th, to one minute 37 seconds in the general classification.
Slovenian Roglic, who rides for Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe, overtook Felix Gall in the standings after the Austrian came home in 25th position, 1:36 slower than his podium rival.
Time trial specialist Stefan Kung of Switzerland won the 32.5km stage from El Puerto de Santa Maria to Jerez de la Frontera, three seconds ahead of Great Britain’s Callum Thornley.
Compatriot Oscar Onley remains fifth in the general classification after finishing 17th, and he extended his lead over his rival for the young rider’s white jersey Jacob Omrzel.
The tour travels 205.1km between Velez-Malaga to Penas Blancas on Friday, before Saturday’s 187km mountain stage from La Calahorra to Collado del Alguacil.
The Vuelta concludes on Sunday with a 99.4km stage in Granada, where Mas, 31, will hope to seal his first Grand Tour victory.
