VALLS, Spain – Defending champion Alejandro Valverde took the overall lead in the Tour of Catalonia by winning Tuesday’s second stage in northeastern Spain.

The Spaniard was in a group of seven riders who broke out from the peloton for the final sprint and crossed the line first after making a move to the outside just a few meters from the end.

South African Daryl Impey was second and Australian Jay McCarthy third in the 108-mile stage from Mataro to Valls.

Valverde had finished ninth in the first stage, which was won by Colombian Alvaro Hodeg.

Valverde, of team Movistar, took a four-second lead over McCarthy in the overall standings. Impey was six seconds behind Valverde and five seconds in front of fourth-place Nairo Quintana.

Wednesday’s third stage will take riders 123 miles from Sant Cugat del Valles to Setcases.