Leipheimer goes ahead in Tour of Spain

(CNN) -- American Levi Leipheimer took the overall lead of the Spanish Vuelta on Sunday following an eighth stage won by David Moncoutie of France.

Leipheimer finished eighth, 39 seconds behind the Cofidis rider, who completed the 94-mile run in the Pyrenees in 4 hours, 24 minutes, 58 seconds.

The Frenchman powered away from Spain's Alejandro Valverde and Alberto Contador on the last of three difficult climbs. The Spaniards finished 34 seconds back.

"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 leads the standings on 28:20:03, with teammate Contador in second 21 seconds back. Caisse d'Epargne's Valverde is 49 seconds off the lead.

Sunday's leg took riders to the highest mountain peaks in this year's Vuelta, the cycling season's third major tour.

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

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

The race continues Monday with a 125-mile stage in the Pyrenees from Mijaran to Sabinanigo. The Vuelta ends in Madrid on September 21.