Madrid, Aug 24 (IANS): Jonothan Castroviejo of the Movistar Team became the first leader of the Vuelta de Espana (Tour of Spain) cycle race which began in Jerez de la Frontera town.

Castroviejo's team were fastest home in a time of 14 minutes and 13 seconds in the 12.6 km team time trial which made up the opening stage Saturday. As team leader, he becomes the first wearer of the leader's red jersey, with the remaining members of the team occupying the next eight positions, reports Xinhua.

The Cannondale Pro Cycling team team came in second, while Orica Green Edge were third, just six seconds behind Movistar as all of the favourites came in within 40 seconds of the stage winner.

Sunday's second stage takes the riders further south on a virtually flat stage of 174 km between Algeceras and San Fernando (close to Cadiz) with just one third category climb in the first half of the stage.

It looks to be all set for the first sprint finish of the race, although the riders will have to be careful as the area is exposed to strong winds from the Atlantic and the favourites will have to be alert in order to avoid being caught out if splits appear in the main peloton leading to the formation of echelons, which can see riders lose several valuable minutes in the overall classification.