Before 40,000 spectators, the Tour of Spain cycling competition, commonly known as the Vuelta, has begun with a 4.8 kilometre time trial prologue on the TT-Circuit in the north-eastern Dutch city of Assen.

The prologue was won by the Swiss cyclist Fabian Cancellara, who completed the course in five minutes and 20 seconds. Tom Boonen from Belgium came in second, with a time of five minutes and 29 seconds. Jens Mouris was the highest placed Dutch rider, in fourth position. The Spanish favourite, Alejandro Valverde, finished ninth.

On Sunday, the cyclists will remain in the Netherlands and race south from Assen to the city of Emmen. Altogether, the competitors will race for three days in the Netherlands. After the fourth stage, from the town of Venlo in the Netherlands to the city of Liège in Belgium, the cyclists will be given a rest day before flying on to Spain.

The Vuelta lasts for three weeks.

Photo of Vuelta competitors by ANP