Erik Zabel has won the last stage of Vuelta. After 150 kilometers he finished first before Thor Hushovd from team Crédit Agricole and Aurelien Clerc (Phonak). For Erik Zabel it was his second victory in this year´s Vuelta.

There were not too many escapes today. Only seven riders tried to escape on the last 40 kilometers gut the head start was always less than one minute. The finish was dominated by the sprinters, who catched up the run aways and hold up the speed to avoid attacks.

3.000 meters ahead of the finishing line the team MILRAM riders prepared the sprint perfectly for Erik Zabel. Marco Velo, last rider before Zabel finished also in the top ten on rank eight.

Winner in overall ranking was Alexander Winokourow from team Astana. The rider from Kazakhstan got the golden jersey from Alessandro Valverde (Caisse d´Epargen) in the last climbing stage and defended his leading position until the end. Erik Zabel: "Today my team has done a very good job to prepare my sprint. They were fantastic: Sacchi from 1200 meters to go, Ongarato from 800 meters to go and especially Velo from 300 meters. I'm very happy because this is the first time that I am winning a last stage in a big Tour. Before that I was 8 times second in the last stage: 5 times second in Paris, 2 times in Madrid and 1 time in Milano. Now I hope for a good world championship and I hope to get another medal after the second place in Verona and a third place in Zolder."

Results of the 21st stage over 150 kilometers:

1. Erik Zabel (MRM) 3:40:47
2. Thor Hushovd (C.A)
3. Aurelien Clerc (PHO)
4. Robert Förster (GST)
5. Stuart O'Grady (CSC)
6. Francisco Jose Ventoso (SDV)
7. Fred Rodriguez (DVL)
8. Marco Velo (MRM)
9. Claudio Corioni (LAM)
10. Davide Vigano (QSI)