Velits rides himself into contention as Nibali reclaims Vuelta lead

Peter Velits, stage winner, Vuelta a Espana 2010, stage 17 ITT

Vincenzo Nibali took back the race lead from Katusha's Joaquin Rodriguez on Wednesday's stage 17 time trial, which was won by HTC-Columbia's Peter Velits.

As expected, early starter Fabian Cancellara (Saxo Bank) held the fastest time before any of the GC contenders came to the start ramp, although Omega Pharma-Lotto's Leif Hoste proved he has good form heading into the world championship road race in Australia, losing just 30 seconds to the Swiss and holding second place for much of the day, buoyed no doubt by his late inclusion to the Belgian squad for the world championships in Australia after Stijn Devolder pulled out citing poor form.

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