Frenchman David Moncoutie claimed victory on stage 13 of the Vuelta a Espana (Tour of Spain) atop the Alto de Sierra Nevada, while Spain's Alejandro Valverde finished third to retain the overall leader's golden jersey.

The Cofidis rider broke away with 28 kilometres remaining to secure the second stage triumph of his career at the event in a time of five hours, nine minutes, 22 seconds.

He crossed the line 52 seconds clear of Spain's Ezequiel Mosquera (Xacobeo Galicia) and one minute, 16 seconds ahead of Valverde (Caisse d'Epargne).

"I am very happy," Moncoutie told www.cyclingnews.com after the 175-kilometres trek from Berja. "I looked at this mountain stage; I knew it would be hard."

"The objective for me was to gain points in the mountains classification."

"When I saw [Caisse d'Epargne's Joaquin] Rodriguez was in the group I knew he would be dangerous. I have to thank my team-mate Rein Taaramae for his help today."

Valverde's third-place finish saw him extend his overall advantage in general classification to 27 seconds over Dutchman Robert Gesink (Rabobank).

Italian Ivan Basso (Liquigas) moved up to third, 62 seconds behind Valverde, while Australian Cadel Evans (Silence-Lotto) slipped two positions to fourth following his eight-place finish.

The race continues on Sunday with stage 14, the 157km route from Granada to La Pandera.