Cordoba, Spain - Dutch rider Lars Boom claimed victory in the 15th stage of the Vuelta Monday while Alejandro Valverde finished in the peloton to retain possession of the leader's gold jersey. Rabobank's Boom attacked on the day's final climb to take the 170- kilometre stage from Jaen to Cordoba on his own, 1 minute 35 seconds clear of Spain's David Herrero.
The 23-year-old was part of a 13-man breakaway group that rode clear after around 65km and which built up a lead of nearly 20 minutes at one stage.
Spain's Valverde finished in the pack to maintain his 31-second lead over Dutchman Robert Gesink in the overall standings.
The race continues Tuesday with a 170.3-kilometre stage from Cordoba to Puertollano and ends Sunday in Madrid.
