Alexandre Geniez grabs Vuelta a España stage

France’s Alexandre Geniez arrived in his homeland to a winner’s reception after clinching victory on stage 15 of the Vuelta a España, while Vincenzo Nibali maintained his overall lead (AFP\Getty)

France’s Alexandre Geniez arrived in his homeland to a winner’s reception after clinching victory on stage 15 of the Vuelta a España, while Vincenzo Nibali maintained his overall lead.

Towards the end of a 225 km route that began in Andorra before ending at the French ski resort of Peyragudes, FDJ rider Geniez (above) broke away before the final category-one climb to cross the finish line in six hours, 20 minutes and 12 seconds. Lampre-Merida’s Michele Scarponi and Nicolas Roche (Team Saxo-Tinkoff) were second and third while classification leader Nibali responded to attacks from his rivals to take fourth and keep hold of the red jersey with a 50-second lead.