Ireland's Nicolas Roche has won today's 18th stage of the Vuelta Espana.

The Team Sky rider won in a head-to-head sprint against fellow break-away rider Haimar Zubeldia after they had been part of a 25-strong group that had led for most of today's 200-kilometre stage.

The victory was the second Vuelta stage win of Roche's career.

The overall leader's red jersey has been held by Dutch rider Tom Dumoulin who has a three second lead over Italian Fabio Aru.