Primoz Roglic has advanced to second place in the general classification of the Vuelta a Espana, significantly closing the gap on race leader Enric Mas. Roglic's performance in the stage 18 time trial saw him finish fourth, reducing Mas's lead to one minute and 37 seconds.
The four-time Vuelta winner completed the 32.5km stage from El Puerto de Santa Maria to Jerez de la Frontera in a time of 35 minutes and 41 seconds. Mas, who finished 12th in the time trial, was over 30 seconds slower than Roglic on the stage.
With this result, Roglic, who rides for Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe, surpassed Felix Gall in the overall standings. Gall finished the stage in 25th position, losing 1 minute and 36 seconds to Roglic.
The stage was won by Swiss time trial specialist Stefan Kung. He finished three seconds ahead of Great Britain's Callum Thornley. Oscar Onley of Great Britain remains fifth overall after finishing 17th on the stage, extending his lead in the young rider classification.
The Vuelta a Espana continues with a 205.1km route from Velez-Malaga to Penas Blancas on Friday. This will be followed by a 187km mountain stage on Saturday from La Calahorra to Collado del Alguacil.
The three-week race is scheduled to conclude on Sunday with a 99.4km stage in Granada. Mas, 31, will be aiming to secure his first Grand Tour victory.