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Hunter triumphs in sprint finish

Hunter's delight after winning 17th stage at a sprint

Robert Hunter clinched an exciting sprint victory in the 17th stage of the Tour of Spain on Wednesday.

The South African edged out Germany's Danilo Hondo and Robbie McEwan of Australia to win the 159.5km Murcia to Albacete stage.

Pedro Horrillo, Oscar Laguna, Juan Manuel Garate and Sergei Smetanin had broken away from the group at six km.

But despite building a three minute lead, they were soon caught by the leading group, which included Angel Casero and Oscar Sevilla.

The Spanish pair finished together, allowing Kelme rider Sevilla to hold on to the gold jersey for another day.

Leading results from 17th stage:
(All same time)
1. R Hunter (Rsa) Lampre
3hrs 18min 46secs
2 D Hondo (Ger) Telekom
3 R McEwan (Aus) Domo
4 D Fofonov (Kaz) Cofidis
5 A Vicioso (Spa) Kelme
6 I Flores (Spa) Euskatel
7 C Moreni (Ita) Mercatone
8 E Anguita (Spa) Jazztel
9 G Gerrikagiotia (Spa) Euskatel
10 P Horrillo (Spa) Mapei

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Overall standings:
1 O Sevilla (Spa) Kelme
58hrs, 23min, 44secs
2 A Casero (Spa) Festina @ 25secs
3 R Heras (Spa) US Postal @ 2:20
4 J Miguel Mercado (Spa) ibanesto.com @ 3:19
5 L Leipheimer (USA) US Postal @ 3:55
6 D Plaza (Spa) Festina @ 4:44
7 J Maria Rubiera (Spa) US Postal @ 4:59
8 A Osa (Spa) ibanesto.com @ 5:47
9 I Mayo (Spa) Euskatel @ 6:59
10 F Escartin (Spa) Team Coast @ 7:18

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