September 26, 2003 – On the penultimate stage, Roberto Heras (US Postal Service-Berry Floor) has taken the lead of the Tour of Spain after winning the mountain time trial from San Lorenzo de El Escorial and Abantos. Heras rode an incredible 25'08, destroying previous leader, Isidro Nozal (ONCE-Eroski), who could only ride 27'31, good enough for 43rd on the stage.

Stage 20: San Lorenzo de El Escorial – Alto de Abantos, 11.2k ITT

1. Roberto Heras (Spa) US Postal-Berry Floor                       25.08
(26.73 km/h)
2. Alejandro Valverde (Spa) Kelme-Costa Blanca                      0.14
3. Felix Cardenas (Col) Labarca-2-Café Baqué
4. Fabian Jeker (Swi) Milaneza-MSS                                  0.15
5. Santos Gonzalez (Spa) Domina Vacanze-Elitron                     0.22
6. Roberto Laiseka (Spa) Euskaltel-Euskadi                          0.32
7. Dario Frigo (Ita) Fassa Bortolo                                  0.34
8. Levi Leipheimer (USA) Rabobank                                   0.48
9. Oscar Sevilla (Spa) Kelme-Costa Blanca                           0.58
10. Unai Osa (Spa) iBanesto.com                                     1.03

Overall:

1. Roberto Heras (Spa) US Postal-Berry Floor                    65.40.33
2. Isidro Nozal (Spa) O.N.C.E.-Eroski                               0.28
3. Alejandro Valverde (Spa) Kelme-Costa Blanca                      2.25
4. Igor Gonzalez De Galdeano (Spa) O.N.C.E.-Eroski                  3.27
5. Francisco Mancebo (Spa) iBanesto.com                             4.47
6. Manuel Beltran (Spa) US Postal-Berry Floor                       5.51
7. Michael Rasmussen (Den) Rabobank                                 5.56
8. Felix Cardenas (Col) Labarca-2-Café Baqué                        6.33
9. Unai Osa (Spa) iBanesto.com                                      6.51
10. Luis Perez (Spa) Cofidis, Le Crédit par Téléphone               7.56