Puertollano, Spain  - Andre Greipel of Germany secured his third stage win of this year's Tour of Spain when the Team Columbia rider claimed victory in Tuesday's 16th stage from Cordoba to Puertollano.

Greipel prevailed in a mass sprint at the end of the 170- kilometre-long stage from France's William Bonnet.

Spain's Alejandro Valverde continues to head the overall standings after finishing in the peloton to maintain his 31-second lead over Dutchman Robert Gesink and 1:10 minutes over compatriot Samuel Sanchez.

Another Spaniard Jesus Rosendo led a solo break for 140km but was caught by the pack 18km from the finish.

The race continues Wednesday with a 193.6-kilometre stage from Ciudad Real to Talavera de la Reina and ends Sunday in Madrid.

Meanwhile, organizer's announced that next year's Vuelta will start in Sevilla and that the race leader will ride in a red jersey instead of gold as is currently the case.  dpa