RUSSIA'S Dimitri Konyshev yesterday won the 18th stage of the Tour of Spain, but Switzerland's Akx Zulle retained the overall lead.

Konyshev, who made a break midway through with Italians Gianni Bugno, Paolo Valotti and Denmark's Bo Hamburger, sprinted first across the line more than four minutes ahead of the pack in this stage from Benasque to Zaragoza.

Stomach problems amongst ONCE riders may cause problems in the run in to the event but sporting director Manolo Saiz refused to reveal the extent of the problems.

The team's ill effects began the day before on the final climb at Ampriu where Zulle felt unwell and Spain's Alberto Leanizbarrutia pulled out.