Stybar snatches win at finish line

MAIRENA DEL ALJARAFE, Spain (Reuters) - Czech Zdenek Stybar claimed a hardfought victory following a duel with world champion Philippe Gilbert in stage seven of the Tour of Spain on Friday, while Italy's Vincenzo Nibali held on to the overall lead.

(AAP)

Belgium's Gilbert finished a narrow second to the Omega Pharma Quick Step rider at the finish at Mairena del Aljarafe, with Germany's Robert Wagner leading the bunch a second later in third.

After three bunch stages, on Saturday the race returns to hillier terrain, with a summit finish at Altas de Penas Blancas. The race finishes on September 15 in Madrid.

(Reporting by Alasdair Fotheringham, editing by Pritha Sarkar)