Madrid, Sep 5 (IANS): Spain's Alberto Contador remains the leader of the Vuelta de Espana (Tour of Spain) cycle race with John Degenkolb winning the 12th stage.

The Spaniard and his fellow contenders stayed out of trouble in the finishing kilometres as Degenkolb (Giant Shimano) won a sprint finish in a stage Thursday that was only going to affect the race favourites in the event of a fall, reports Xinhua.

There was a fall on the final corner which ruined the chances of the FDJ team, who swept several other riders to the floor, but by then Degenkolb was clear and the German was once again able to show he is the fastest sprinter in the race, coming over the line ahead of the veteran Tom Boonen.

It was the German's third win in this race and his eighth triumph in Spain in his last two appearances.

Friday sees a 182 kilometre stage between Belorado and Obregon in another day that should not affect the overall leaderboard ahead of the key mountain stages Saturday, Sunday and Monday.