Ryder Hesjedal claims victory on stage 14 of the Vuelta a Espana

Canada's Ryder Hesjedal secured victory on stage 14 of the Vuelta a Espana after fighting off fellow breakaway rider Oliver Zaugg on the summit of the fearsome La Camperona.

The Garmin-Sharp rider rounded Zaugg with 200 metres of the 201km stage from Santander remaining, and held on to claim the stage win.

Meanwhile, Team Sky's Chris Froome was dropped on the final climb before returning to a select group on the steepest 19% section of the ascent.

Froome finished the stage seven seconds clear of race leader Alberto Contador to rise to third in the general classification ahead of two more stages in the Asturias mountains.

Spain's Alejandro Valverde was distanced near the summit and now trails compatriot Contador by 42 seconds, with Froome in third at 1:13.