Roberto Heras won the Tour of Spain for a record-equalling third time after resisting a late charge from compatriot Santiago Perez on Sunday.
Phonak rider Perez prevailed in the Madrid stage, a 28.2km individual time trial, in 35 minutes and 5 seconds.
But he took only 13 seconds out of the 2000 and 2003 champion, who finished 30 seconds clear overall to join Swiss Tony Rominger as a three-time winner.
Francisco Mancebo sealed an all-Spanish podium by pipping Alejandro Valverde.
Heras effectively won the race on the 12th stage where his superior climbing skills saw him take the lead.
But Perez was a worthy runner-up after winning three stages - including two time-trials - while Spanish champion Francisco Mancebo finished second in the Sunday time-trial.
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This time I even managed to enjoy the ride during the final 8km
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Valverde saw his rollercoaster ride end in disappointment.
He had been as little as five seconds adrift of Heras despite a heavy fall which nearly
forced him out.
The best placed non-Spaniard was Stefano Garzelli, of Italy, down in 11th spot.
Final classification:
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MMIX
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