Astana Pro Team rider Tanel Kangert said his last-kilometer effort at the front of the Vuelta a Espana on Sunday was a sure sign that his legs are in prime shape headed into the second week of racing.

Kangert finished 15th the 163 km stage from Antequera to Jaen, 18 seconds behind stage winner Daniel Moreno from Spain, suffering on the steep wall leading into the city center.

"I attacked in the final 800m on the steepest part, and immediately got a gap - but my job was to work for Vincenzo and not for my own result. In the end we did well and he finished 9 seconds behind Moreno and nothing really changed. I felt really strong and I’m happy that my legs are coming in to good shape after the first week," Kangert said.

Nibali is now third on General Classification, 20 seconds back from Moreno, and in the middle of a shrinking pool of competitors after the ninth day of racing and the second hard day in the mountains.

"Today's last kilometer was really steep - 26-27 per cent in some parts. But tomorrow's stage is a real legbreaker. The final 7 km have an average gradient of 10 per cent, and it's very hot. I'm really happy my legs finally arrived, and I hope they will stay," Kangert said to the Astana website.