SALARDU, Spain - David Moncoutie won the eighth stage of the Spanish Vuelta in the Pyrenees on Sunday, and Levi Leipheimer of the United States took the overall lead.

Cofidis rider Moncoutie finished the 151-kilometre mountainous leg in four hours 24 minutes 58 seconds, after breaking away on the final climb from Alejandro Valverde and Alberto Contador who came second and third.

The 33-year-old Frenchman finished 34 seconds ahead of the two Spaniards who crossed the line in the same time.

"The last time I won a stage was in the 2005 Tour de France and so winning a Vuelta stage now is incredibly special for me," Moncoutie said. "I had to be very strong to win."

Astana's Leipheimer, who finished eighth, leads the standings on 28 hours 20 minutes three seconds, with second-place teammate Contador 21 seconds behind. Third-place Valverde, riding for Caisse d'Epargne, is 49 seconds behind.

Sunday's leg took riders to the highest mountain peaks in this year's Vuelta, with three category one climbs, including the 2,070 metre La Bonaigua.

Tour de France winner Carlos Sastre finished in 10th place but retained fourth in the overall standings.

"I saved the day, losing just a few points," Sastre said. "It's only the eighth stage of the Vuelta and there's a lot left, but I'm feeling quite good so far.

"The race is looking better than ever. It's being led by an American with the Spanish Armada (Contador, Valverde, Sastre) following," Sastre said.

Monday's stage runs 200.8 kilometres east to west along the Pyrenees from Mijaran to Sabinanigo.

The Spanish Vuelta, the cycling season's third major tour, finishes in Madrid on Sept. 21.