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Vuelta a Espana (2012) Photos August 18 - September 9

« Vuelta a Espana 2012 Live Dashboard


Stage 0:  Teams Presentation/Pamplona  Full Results and Report

The teams presentation took place in Pamplona, famous for the annual event, The Running of the Bulls

The opening team trial will finish in a former bull ring

Miguel Indurain overseeing the construction of the finish

Euskaltel - Euskadi being introduced at the teams presentation in plaza del Castillo

Katusha

Joaquim Rodríguez and Daniel Moreno

Movistar and last year's winner, Juan Jose Cobo

Alberto Contador acknowledges the crowd in his first race back in Spain since his suspension ended

Saxo Bank - Tinkoff Bank with Alberto Contador being interviewed by Pedro Delgado

2nd last year at the Vuelta, Sky's Chris Froome is looking to be Alberto Contador's most serious competition

Presentation panorama

Presentation panorama 2

Domestic team, Caja Rural

Vacansoleil-DCM

Rabobank

Alberto Contador on his way to the Saxo-Bank Tinkoff Bank press conference



Alberto Contador and Bjarne Riis are relieved to have the suspension behind them



Stage 1:  Pamplona, 16.2 km (TTT)  Full Results and Report


Movistar on course during the narrow, cobbled 16.2 km team time trial in Pamplona

The last team, Movistar, in the diminished evening light

Alejandro Valverde at the front helping Movistar to a best time of 18:51 for 16.2 km

Rabobank had the best time until the final team, Movistar, beat it. 2nd + 10s.

BMC Racing was also 10s back but fractional in 4th

Richie Porte at the front for Team Sky. 5th + 12s.

6th Lotto-Belisol + 12s


Alberto Contador at the front for Saxo Bank - Tinkoff Bank

Saxo Bank - Tinkoff Bank

Alberto Contador leads Saxo Bank - Tinkoff Bank into a former Bull ring for 7th + 15s

Podium ceremony in the Bull ring as the daylight disappears

Your stage 1 TTT winners, Movistar

As the first Movistar rider across the line, Jonathan Castroviejo is the first race leader


Stage 2:  Pamplona → Viana, 180 km  Full Results and Report


The focus of attention prior to the first road stage; race leader Jonathan Castroviejo is interviewed on the steps of the Movistar team bus in Pamplona

Under the watchful eye of the media, Alberto Contador signs in prior to Stage 2

Miguel Indurain donates his old bike to Alberto Contador's foundation which gives bikes to African kids

Alberto Contador thanks Miguel Indurain in front of the large crowd in Pamplona

The unveiling of Alberto Contador's foundation kit

Race leader Jonathan Castroviejo making his way to the start

The start in Pamplona

Make way for the race leader as he's called to the front

Garmin-Sharp's Koldo Fernandez does a double take during the roll out

The peloton with Movistar on the front making their to way west to Viana on a hot (39C), rolling 180 km stage through northern Spain

Joaquin Rodriguez (Katusha) on the circuit in Viana

The peloton passing by the citadel in Viana

The peloton with 1 km to go on the straight, rolling run to the finish in Viana

Sprint finish as expected

John Degenkolb (ARGOS-SHIMANO) edges out 2nd Allan Davis (ORICA - GREENEDGE) and 3rd Ben Swift (SKY PROCYCLING)

Photo finish close-up

A different perspective of the photo finish and the bumping for third

Your stage 2 winner, John Degenkolb (ARGOS-SHIMANO)

Jonathan Castroviejo (Movistar) puckering up again for race leader podium kisses he's due

Stage 3:  Faustino V → Eibar (Arrate), 153 km  Full Results and Report


Once again, Alberto Contador (Saxo Bank-Tinkoff Bank), received a rousing reception from the Spanish crowd during the morning sign-in

Alberto Contador in good spirits before the start in Faustino V and the first mountain stage of this year's race

Movistar leading the peloton through the vineyards after the start in Faustino V

Alberto Contador's game face replaced the earlier smiles as he put in numerous attacks on the final cat 1 climb in Eibar

Alberto Contador leading a small group over the top before the 1.5 km descent to the finish

Alberto Contador, leading Joaquin Rodriguez (Katusha), Alejandro Valverde (Movistar) and Christopher Froome (Sky Procycling) who look like his gc competition

Chris Froome (Sky) hung on during each attack

Basque rider Igor Anton (Euskaltel - Euskadi) leading the chase around 10s back much to the delight of the home crowd

Last year's Vuelta winner, Juan Jose Cobo (Movistar) finished 22nd today + 50s

Joaquin Rodriguez (Katusha) leading the bunch sprint to the finish in Arrate

Alejandro Valverde (Movistar) about to make it a close finish




A slight curve in the road at the finish helped Alejandro Valverde (Movistar) pip Joaquin Rodriguez (Katusha) who decided not throw his bike which may have made the difference

Alejandro Valverde (Movistar) wins Stage 3


Chris Froome (Sky) was 3rd in the same time

Alberto Contador was 4th

Daniel Moreno (Katusha) led the next group across for 5th + 6s

Your stage 3 winner, Alejandro Valverde (Movistar)


Thanks to his win today and the Moviestar TTT win on the first day, Alejandro Valverde (Movistar) is now the race leader by 18s

Stage 4:  Barakaldo → Estación de Valdezcaray, 161 km  Full Results and Report


All smiles at the start for the race favorites, but the race leader, Alejandro Valverde (Movistar) was angry at the end of the stage

The peloton climbing the category 1 Puerto de Orduña, in the first half of the stage

Alejandro Valverde (Movistar) cresting with the pack before controversy later up the road

The last two riders in the break, Simon Clarke (Orica-GreenEdge) and Tony Martin (Omega Pharma-Quickstep) on the 13.4 km at 5.2% finishing climb

Katusha and Sky driving the chase for the GC contenders minus the race leader Alejandro Valverde (Movistar) who crashed as Team Sky attacked on the flats with 25 km to go

Chris Froome followed by Alberto Contador

Liquigas-Cannondale's Eros Capecchi, who will ride for Movistar in 2013, helped Alejandro Valverde minimize his losses on the final climb

Tony Martin wasn't able to drop Simon Clarke

Simon Clarke (Orica-GreenEdge) claims his first win as a four year pro

Assan Bazayev (Astana) was 3rd + 22s

Marcos Garcia (Caja Rural) with the 4th place salute + 55s

Nicolas Roche (AG2R La Mondiale) crosses 5th while Marcos Garcia continues to believe he won

Crash victim Alejandro Valverde (Movistar) crossed 39th + 1:59 and slides down to 9th overall + 36s

Your stage 4 winner, Simon Clarke (Orica - GreenEdge)


The new race leader, Joaquim Rodriguez (Katusha), by 1s over Chris Froome

Stage 5:  Logroño → Logroño, 172 km  Full Results and Report


The morning sign-in scene in Logroño on another fine day in Spain

Alberto Contador

Lampre-ISD reading about other teams results while Fabian Cancellara looks on

Starting his first day in the leader's jersey is Joaquim Rodriguez (Katusha)

Awkward moment. Yesterday's start was all smiles, today Alejandro Valverde (Movistar) and Joaquim Rodriguez (Katusha) have swapped jerseys after Valverde was caught out by yesterday's controversial crash.

Javier Chacon (Andalucia) was off the front on the circuits giving his Spanish team some TV exposure

After eight circuits around Logroño, stage 5 came down to a mass sprint as expected

Finish panorama with two riders left to decide the win

John Degenkolb (Argos-Shimano) came around Daniele Bennati (Radioshack-Nissan) in the final meters to claim his second win at this year's Vuelta


John Degenkolb (Argos-Shimano) and his leadout man Koen de Kort embracing the moment post-stage in relative peace

Your stage 5 winner, John Degenkolb (Argos-Shimano), throughly enjoys a good win...


Given the circumstances of his race lead, it's understandable why Joaquim Rodriguez (Katusha) has tempered his enthusiasm

Stage 6:  Tarazona → Jaca, 175 km  Full Results and Report


Kissing and making up before talking strategy with a hilltop finish looming at the end of another hot day in northern Spain

Some of the picturesque scenery along the Stage 6 route north from Tarazona to Jaca

Looking down on the new part of town in Jaca from the 3.8km @ 5.4% hilltop finish at Fuerte del Rapitán.

Team Sky set the pace for Chris Froome with the other GC contenders in tow

It was then left to Chris Froome to finish off the blistering pace up the climb set by his Team Sky teammates

Chris Froome rode everybody off his wheel except Joaquim Rodriguez

Joaquim Rodriguez hasn't been dropped, he's just perfectly positioned behind the much bigger Chris Froome

Joaquim Rodriguez (Katusha) about to make his move with a 100m to go

Alberto Contador and Alejandro Valverde could not match the pace set by Chris Froome

This photo of Joaquim Rodriguez (Katusha) digging up to the finish is very similar to his win at La Flèche Wallonne (photo)

In front of a big crowd on another hot day in Spain, Joaquim Rodriguez (Katusha) wins the 3.8km @ 5.4% hilltop finish at Fuerte del Rapitán which look harder than the numbers indicated

Joaquim Rodriguez (Katusha) celebrates his stage 6 win as Chris Froome (Sky) comes into view five seconds back

Joaquim Rodriguez (Katusha) wins the battle up to the fort

Chris Froome (Sky) crossing for second + 5s

Alejandro Valverde (Movistar) was 3rd + 10s as Alberto Contador comes into view

Alberto Contador said dehydration and cramps took their toll on him today

Alberto Contador (Saxo Bank - Tinkoff Bank) crossing 4th + 19s just ahead of Eros Capecchi (Liquigas-Cannondale)

The finish was a lot harder than most expected

The gruppetto coming up the final climb

A panorama of the climb and surrounding area

Rigoberto Uran, 6th today, talks about the Team Sky strategy on the final climb to the Spainish media

Your stage 6 winner, Joaquim Rodriguez (Katusha), now has a legitimate claim on the race lead

Lets get this party started

Stage 7:  Huesca → Alcañiz. Motorland Aragón, 160 km  Full Results and Report


Arnaud Courteille (FDJ- Big Mat) was the last rider to get up after a late crash. He finished 82nd + 25:24

The stage 7 finish was on a motor race track in Alcañiz

The peloton on the track


Team Sky at the front

Mass sprint as expected


Close up: It came down to a battle between Elia Viviani (Liquigas-Cannondale) and John Degenkolb (Argos-Shimano)

John Degenkolb (Argos-Shimano) takes his third win at this year's Vuelta

As usual, the margin of victory always looks closer from the head on angle

Elia Viviani (Liquigas-Cannondale) fired off the runner-up salute before the victory salute

The contrasting looks of frustration and glee

Your stage 7 winner, John Degenkolb (Argos-Shimano)

The champagne celebration is often amusing

Your race leader continues to be Joaquim Rodriguez (Katusha)

Stage 8:  Lleida → Andorra (Collada de la Gallina), 175 km  Full Results and Report


The peloton heading north from Lleida to the Principality of Andorra

The break crossing the border into Andorra for the mountainous finish in the Spanish Pyrénées

One of the km markers from 7.2 km @ 8% summit finish. This is the first time the Vuelta a Espana has finished on Collada de la Gallina.

As has occurred on the previous two mountain stages, this summit finish came down Team Sky pacesetting before Chris Froome tried to drop Alberto Contador, Joaquim Rodriguez and Alejandro Valverde

Joaquim Rodriguez (Katusha) put a dig in with 2 km to go and was marked by Alberto Contador (Saxo Bank-Tinkoff Bank)

After Chris Froome went to the front again, Alberto Contador put in an attack inside one km to go.



Alberto Contador's attack with less than one km to go, looked like the winning move

Uh oh, looks like Alberto Contador may have come up short in the final bend

But, Alejandro Valverde (Movistar) and Joaquim Rodriguez (Katusha) put in an impressive uphill sprint in the final 200m

Alejandro Valverde (Movistar) and Joaquim Rodriguez (Katusha) catching and passing Alberto Contador (Saxo Bank-Tinkoff Bank) in the final bend

You don't often see Alberto Contador caught before the line in a summit finish


Alejandro Valverde (Movistar) wins an exciting summit finish which saw numerous lead changes in the final kms

Alejandro Valverde (Movistar) takes his second win at this year's Vuelta a Espana

324-IMG_5860_edited-1.jpg

2nd Joaquim Rodriguez (Katusha) and 3rd Alberto Contador (Saxo Bank - Tinkoff Bank) in the same time

Christopher Froome (Sky Procycling) was third + 15s

A panorama of late finishers climbing Collada de la Gallina


The gruppetto on Collada de la Gallina

Christian Prudhomme on hand to witness an exciting summit finish which this year's Tour de France missed

Your stage 8 winner, Alejandro Valverde (Movistar)



With another strong performance and the bonus seconds for second place, Joaquim Rodriguez (Katusha) extends his race lead to 33s over Chris Froome. He now has his hands full.

Alejandro Valverde (Movistar) is now in the mountains jersey, his third different leader's jersey at this year's Vuelta

Stage 9:  Andorra → Barcelona, 194 km  Full Results and Report


The teams hotel and mountains; the backdrop to the stage 9 start in Andorra

Alberto Contador (Saxo Bank-Tinkoff Bank) signing in

The morning interview with race leader, Joaquim Rodriguez (Katusha)

Nicholas Roche being interviewed among the start crowd

Despite narrowly missing out on the stage win yesterday, Alberto Contador, was all smiles this morning


It turns out race leader Joaquim Rodriguez (Katusha) was also feeling good about today's finish

Joaquim Rodriguez (Katusha) and Alberto Contador (Saxo Bank-Tinkoff Bank) ready to roll

According to Salvador Dalí, it's time to get today's stage underway

The peloton exiting the Spanish Pyrénées

Joaquim Rodriguez (Katusha) getting a new back wheel. No need to panic unless you're the mechanic.

The race passing the mountain of Montserrat 40 km northwest of Barcelona considered one of Spain's most spectacular natural sights

Close up of the monastery nestled into the mountainside

In town, the race passed near Barcelona's most popular attraction, Sagrada Familia

Sagrada Familia is has been a work in progress for years and is financed by tourists willing to pay to visit the partially completed project started by Gaudi many years ago

The race passing through the streets of Barcelona

The race passing by another Gaudi project, La Pedrera

Philippe Gilbert (BMC) and Joaquim Rodriguez (Katusha) successfully attacked over the cat 3 climb 3.5 km from the finish with Gilbert taking his first win of the year

Both riders were happy with the result; Gilbert gets the stage win while Rodriguez extends his race lead

Paolo Tiralongo (Astana) was 3rd + 7s and the field coming in several seconds later

At this point last year, Philippe Gilbert had 18 wins so it was a big relief to get his first win of the year today

Your stage 9 winner, Philippe Gilbert (BMC) announced today he'll be a contender for the World title next month

Joaquim Rodriguez (Katusha) continued to extend his lead today and he'll need the cushion heading into Wednesday's 40 km ITT

Stage 10:  Ponteareas → Sanxenxo, 190 km  Full Results and Report


Javier Aramendia (Caja Rural) and Adrian Palomares (Andalucia) made up a break that was given up to seven minutes, but it was only for the tv cameras

The peloton passing through Sanxenxo before doing a final 40 km circuit

We'll see these sprinters again shortly

The weather and wind turned out better than expected today which brought out the crowds in this tourist part of Galicia. The good weather also prevented splits forming along the many kms of exposed coastline which set up for a sprint finish.

As he indicates, John Degenkolb (Argos-Shimano) has just taken win number 4 at this year's Vuelta after jumping from a long way out and holding off Nacer Bouhanni (FDJ-Big Mat) and Daniele Bennati (Radioshack-Nissan)

4 + 6 other wins this year gives John Degenkolb (Argos-Shimano) 10 wins in 2012 for the 23 year-old

Your stage 10 winner, John Degenkolb (Argos-Shimano)


Joaquim Rodriguez (Katusha) will take a 53 second lead into the Wednesday's 40 km individual time-trial

Stage 11:  Cambados → Pontevedra, 40 km (TT)  Full Results and Report


As the 47th last rider on today's 40 km technical ITT course, Fredrik Kessiakoff (Astana) set a new fastest time which would hold up as the GC favorites came through

Fredrik Kessiakoff (Astana) catching his three minute man Rafal Majka (Saxo Bank - Tinkoff Bank) on the technical descent of the cat 3 climb on the second half of the course

Fredrik Kessiakoff (Astana) finished the 39.4 km course in 52:36 and then sat around for a couple of hours before he was declared the winner

Alberto Contador stretching out on the bike

Alberto Contador was on fine form today, but he lost time to Fredrik Kessiakoff on the second half of the course after setting the best time at the first checkpoint (km 13.5)

Alberto Contador (Saxo Bank - Tinkoff Bank) gained time on all his GC rivals today with his second place finish + 17s and is just 1 second off the race lead

Chris Froome (Sky)

Chris Froome (Sky) digging for 3rd on the stage + 39s which dropped him down to 3rd overall + 15s

Alejandro Valverde (Movistar) also put in a good tt performance finishing 4th + 1:08 (4th overall + 58s)

Valvarde's teammate Benat Intxausti (Movistar) also had a good ride finishing 5th + 1:09

The surprise ride of the day was from race leader Joaquim Rodriguez (Katusha) who finished 7th + 1:16

Joaquim Rodriguez (Katusha) was spurred on to the best TT performance of his career which would keep him in the the leader's jersey by 1 second

Hard to imagine the world champ, Tony Martin (Omega Pharma-Quickstep) was beaten by Rodriguez today. Martin finished 11th + 1:39

Your stage 11 winner, Fredrik Kessiakoff (Astana) also had an impressive TT win at the Tour de Suisse this year

Wow. Not many if any predicted Joaquim Rodriguez (Katusha) would still be in the leader's jersey at the end of today's ITT. He's now in a great position to win his first Grand Tour with no more time-trialing remaining and big mountain stages ahead. However, Alberto Contador is just 1s back.

Stage 12:  Vilagarcía de Arousa → Dumbría. Mirador de Ézaro, 185 km  Full Results and Report


The peloton working its way along the calm coastline of Galicia

Inside the final km with Alberto Contador (Saxo Bank-Tinkoff Bank) leading the way after following Joaquim Rodriguez' (Katusha) attack

Alejandro Valverde (Movistar) in the distance

Many fans along the road on this beautiful climb in the Galicia region to witness another excellent finish

Valvarde and others struggling to keep pace on the 1.9 km @ 14% max 30% uphill finish. Valvarde would finish 3rd + 13s.

4th Robert Gesink (Rabobank) + 0:20, 5th Christopher Froome (Sky Procycling) + 0:23, 7th Igor Anton (Euskaltel - Euskadi) + 0:27

Joaquim Rodriguez (Katusha) putting in his second attack near the finish

No one can dig through the steep stuff like Joaquim Rodriguez (Katusha)

If you've watched much cycling this year then this photo will look familiar

This is the reason why the other GC teams (Movistar and Sky) should have let the break succeed; Joaquim Rodriguez (Katusha) wins another hilltop finish and takes 20 more bonus seconds. In the distance, Alberto Contador is coming into view.

Alberto Contador crosses 2nd + 5s and slips 12s further back on GC

Not in the mix today; 25th Philippe Gilbert (BMC Racing) + 57s

A panorama of more riders coming through

The Vuelta needs a higher top step on the podium. Nonetheless, Joaquim Rodriguez (Katusha) is standing tall so to speak after his second stage win

Stage 13:  Santiago de Compostela → Ferrol, 173 km  Full Results and Report


The stage 13 start in Santiago de Compostela, a UNESCO world heritage site since 1985

Santiago de Compostela is also the capital of Galicia and a big crowd turned out

Alberto Contador (Saxo Bank-Tinkoff Bank)

Chris Froome (Sky Procycling) signing in

The rollout

Steve Cumming (BMC) leading the break which got away at km 42 of this 173 km rolling stage

With several kms to go, Steve Cumming (BMC) then broke clear of his breakmates

Pursuit finish: Cameron Meyer (Orica - GreenEdge) and Juan Antonio Flecha (Sky Procycling) were unable to catch Steve Cummings and finished 2nd and 3rd + 4s

After an injury plagued season, Steve Cummings (BMC) wins his first race since a stage of Volta ao Algarve in 2011

Saxo Bank-Tinkoff Bank leading in the peloton

Matteo Tosatto (Saxo Bank - Tinkoff Bank) keeping Alberto Contador out of trouble

Steve Cummings has righted his season

Your stage 13 winner, Steve Cummings (BMC)

Joaquim Rodriguez (Katusha) will take a 13s lead over Alberto Contador into the first of three consecutive mountain stages starting on Saturday. Good luck Purito!

Stage 14:  Palas de Rei → Puerto de Ancares, 149 km  Full Results and Report


Riders in the early stage of five categorized climbs in the Asturia mountiain range in northern Spain

David Moncoutie (Cofidis) leading a large break on the second last climb, the category 1 Alto Folgueiras de Aigas

Once again, the final climb came down to Spain's Alejandro Valverde (Movistar), Alberto Contador (Saxo Bank - Tinkoff Bank) and Joaquim Rodriguez (Katusha)

Alberto Contador putting in a dig which distanced his rivals in the final kms

You gotta love the way this guy races

The fans eating up his big move, but once again he came up a little short

Joaquim Rodriguez (Katusha) trying to follow the move

Once again, Joaquim Rodriguez (Katusha) was able to reel in Alberto Contador's late move

Alejandro Valverde (Movistar) finished 3rd today + 13s (now 4th overall + 1:41)

Chris Froome (Sky) finished 5th + 38s (4th overall + 1:41 and virtually tied with Valvarde). Notice the Guardia Civil admonishing a fan in the background

Joaquim Rodriguez (Katusha) denies Alberto Contador again to take his 3rd win at this year's Vuelta

Alberto Contador will try again another day (2nd + 5s). He'll have three more summit finish opportunities.

Mission accomplished: The winner's teammates/domestiques Angel Vicioso and Denis Menchov coasting in 14 minutes later

The gruppetto in the finish area 25 minutes after the winner with 7th place Igor Anton being interviewed on the big screen

'Purito' on the podium

Joaquim Rodriguez (Katusha) is feeling better and better about his chances for the overall win. He's now 22s up on Alberto Contador.

Stage 15:  La Robla → Lagos de Covadonga, 187 km  Full Results and Report


Today's main break was allowed an advantage of 15 minutes

The peloton passing through an stone arch tunnel

Beautiful weather today revealed the incredible scenery in the Asturias as the peloton heads towards another summit finish

The remnants of the break on its way to the final climb at Lagos de Covadonga

Relatively unknown Antonio Piedra (Caja Rural) soloed up the hors categorie Lagos de Covadonga, one of the most famous climbs of the Vuelta

Over ten minutes back were the GC contenders. It seems Alberto Contador (Saxo Bank-Tinkoff Bank) and Alejandro Valverde (Movistar) weren't confident enought today to take on Joaquim Rodriguez (Katusha) for the bonus seconds.

Once again Alejandro Valverde (Movistar) and Alberto Contador (Saxo Bank-Tinkoff Bank) attempted to crack Joaquim Rodriguez (Katusha)

Alberto Contador (Saxo Bank-Tinkoff Bank) was unable to drop Joaquim Rodriguez (Katusha) again today. Contador says the 6 month layoff due to his suspension is the reason for his lack of sharpness.

The final meters with the enthusiastic crowd cheering on a win by a small domestic team, Caja Rural

Antonio Piedra (Caja Rural) easily wins the picturesque summit finish at Lagos de Covadonga

2nd Ruben Perez Moreno (Euskaltel - Euskadi) and 3rd Lloyd Mondory (AG2R La Mondiale) + 2 :02

At + 9:25, Alejandro Valverde (Movistar) led Joaquim Rodriguez (Katusha) and Alberto Contador (Saxo Bank-Tinkoff Bank) across the line for 11th

Trailing riders at the 1 km to go marker

The gruppetto finishing

Antonio Piedra (Caja Rural) celebrates the third and easily the biggest win of his pro career

A great smile to match the traditional winner's Asturian hat

Joaquim Rodriguez (Katusha) has now held the Red Jersey for 12 straight stages and it's looking likely he'll keep it the rest of the way

Stage 16:  Gijón → Valgrande-Pajares. Cuitu Negru, 184 km  Full Results and Report


Another beautiful day for racing through the (Asturian) mountains of northern Spain. Four categorized climbs including two cat 1s and the HC summit finish at the Cuitunigru ski resort


There was a two man break well up the road on the final climb, but the focus of attention was once again on the GC contenders: Alberto Contador (Saxo Bank-Tinkoff Bank), Joaquim Rodriguez (Katusha) and Alejandro Valverde (Movistar)

Dario Cataldo (Omega Pharma-Quickstep) crawling up the final 200m which ramped up to 25%

Breakmate Thomas De Gendt (Vacansoleil-DCM) finished 7s back

Dario Cataldo (Omega Pharma-Quickstep) crawls across first and has just enough momentum to fire off a quick victory salute. Thomas De Gendt (Vacansoleil-DCM) in the distance finished 2nd, 7 seconds back.

Dario Cataldo (Omega Pharma-Quickstep) slumped over his bike after crossing the line. A mix of exhaustion and disbelief.

Alberto Contador (Saxo Bank-Tinkoff Bank) and Joaquim Rodriguez (Katusha) working their way through the crowds with 300m to go

Alberto Contador was once again unsuccessful at dropping Joaquim Rodriguez

Joaquim Rodriguez (Katusha) and Alberto Contador (Saxo Bank-Tinkoff Bank) finished 3rd and 4th + 2:39 and + 2:41. Valvarde is in the distance.

Joaquim Rodriguez (Katusha) again countered Alberto Contador's late move to finish ahead of him at the line, this time for 3rd + 2:39 to gain 6 more seconds (now up to 28s after Stage 16) on Contador

Alejandro Valverde (Movistar) finished 5th + 2:58 to solidify his hold on 3rd overall

Looking down at the finishing climb as trailing riders reach the top

Cuitunigru ski resort panorama as the sun sets on the 19.4 km @ 6.9 %, max 22 % HC climb

It's an ugly climb in appearance and difficulty

Today's recipient of an Asturian hat goes to Dario Cataldo (Omega Pharma-Quickstep) your deserving stage 16 break winner

Stage 17:  Santander → Fuente Dé, 187 km  Full Results and Report


The rollout from Santander, a regular Vuelta host, along the Cantabria Sea

Ironically, after many mountain stages with steep climbs, it was the modest climbs at the end of Stage 17 that proved pivotal

A photo that foreshadows the explosion that is about to occur. It took 80 km for a break to finally escape.

With a break containing three teammates up the road, Alberto Contador (Saxo Bank-Tinkoff Bank) blew apart the race on the penultimate climb, the cat 2 Collado La Hoz (5.7 km @ 7.6 %)

When Joaquim Rodriguez (Katusha) failed to respond to Alberto Contador's move, Alejandro Valverde (Movistar), who also had teammates up the road, attacked

With the help of his teammates on the descent, Collado La Hoz and the base of the final climb, the cat 2 Fuente Dé (17.3 km @ 3.9 %) extended his lead over the GC contenders before soloing the later half of the climb

Joaquim Rodriguez (Katusha) wasn't the energizer bunny today

1 km to go and his lead coming down, Alberto Contador dug extra deep


With the help of teammates, Alejandro Valverde (Movistar) pulled back time on the final climb to finish second + 6s and moves up to second overall + 1:52

A fine example of how the riders ultimately make the race

Alberto Contador would not be denied today

A solo win for Alberto Contador (Saxo Bank-Tinkoff Bank) on a medium mountain stage finish at Fuente Dé


The emphatic victory salute continues

In one fell swoop, Alberto Contador moves into the race lead with a commanding lead

Needless to say, Alberto Contador will count this win as one of the biggest of his career

Notably 9th was Paolo Tiralongo (Astana), a good friend and former teammate, who helped Contador at the base of the final climb. Contador helped Tiralongo (inset) achieve his only pro at last year's Giro d'Italia.

With Contador and Valvarde teammates following his every move, Joaquim Rodriguez (Katusha) was left to defend the race lead on his own. He salvaged 10th + 2:38

After an almost perfect race leading into today's stage, it turns out, Joaquim Rodriguez (Katusha) achilles heel was a high paced medium mountain stage where enemy team tactics were a huge factor

Alberto Contador finally makes the stage winner's podium at this year's Vuelta

No comment necessary


Close up: Contador stared down defeat today and won

Alberto is convinced he's won the Vuelta now

Your emotional new race leader, Alberto Contador (Saxo Bank-Tinkoff Bank)

Alberto Contador (Saxo Bank-Tinkoff Bank) issued the first pistol salute after his return to cycling with his competition effectively dead (2nd Valvarde + 1:52, 3rd Rodriguez + 2:28) with four stages remaining

Stage 18:  Aguilar de Campoo → Valladolid, 204 km  Full Results and Report


On arriving in the red leader's jersey for the first time in the race, Alberto Contador is really the focus of attention now

After wearing the leader's jersey for 12 straight days, Joaquim Rodriguez (Katusha) is sorry to give it up, but he's a fine sportsman

It's unusual for a rider on a different team to congratulate another rider like this, but without good friend and former teammate Paolo Tiralongo's (Astana) help, Alberto Contador (Saxo Bank-Tinkoff Bank) likely wouldn't have won yesterday's stage

The main break forming after the flag dropped on Stage 18, the flat run south from Aguilar de Campoo to Valladolid, the longest stage of this year's Vuelta at 204 km

Gatis Smukilis (Katusha), Luis Angel Maté (Cofidis) and Martijn Keizer (Vacansoleil-DCM) getting the break started

Brent Bookwalter (BMC Racing) and Gustavo Veloso (Andalucía) joined them

The winds were calm along the exposed roads of the Castilla y León region which worked in the favor of a sprint finish

Ian Stannard (Sky) leading the peloton into the final corner for a sprint finish in Valladolid

Race leader Alberto Contador watching the final 500m in the safety of the back of the pack

Daniele Bennati (RadioShack-Nissan) came up from behind Ben Swift (Sky) setting up a bike throw photo finish

Photo finish close up with Allan Davis (Orica-GreenEdge) finishing third

The side angle shows Daniele Bennati (RadioShack-Nissan) took the win with a better bike throw

The end of a fast stage which averaged almost 50 kph

Daniele Bennati (RadioShack-Nissan) thinks he took the win and he's right

Stage 18 winner, 31 year-old Daniele Bennati (RadioShack-Nissan), celebrates his first win of 2012

Daniele Bennati points to the sky in honor of late teammate Wouter Weylandt who won in Valladolid the last time the Vuelta finished here in 2008

Alberto Contador (Saxo Bank-Tinkoff Bank) safely defended his first day in the Red Jersey

Stage 19:  Peñafiel → La Lastrilla, 169 km  Full Results and Report


Alberto Contador arriving for the start in Peñafiel

Philippe Gilbert (BMC), we'll see him again later

The morning sign-in

Fans watching the morning sign-in with the Peñafiel Castle looming in the background

The morning sign-in continues for Alberto Contador

Everyone loves a winner

The start line with the jersey leaders

The rollout past the 10th century Peñafiel Castle

The peloton took today off after two fast stages the previous days

Alessandro Ballan (BMC), who helped reeled in the break in the final kms, looks over his shoulder to see teammate Philippe Gilbert (BMC) coming up from behind as the peloton passes by a well preserved Roman Aquaduct in Segovia with 3 km to go

Race leader Alberto Contador tried to latch onto the wheel of Philippe Gilbert but was unsuccessful

Philippe Gilbert (BMC) powered his way up the final 1 km slight uphill finish to take the win ahead of Alejandro Valverde (Movistar) and Joaquim Rodriguez (Katusha)

In total, 2nd place Alejandro Valverde (Movistar) picked up 17 bonus seconds today

Lots of head hanging at the finish

On the podium for the second time at this year's Vuelta is your Stage 19 winner, Philippe Gilbert (BMC)

Philippe Gilbert (BMC) is on fine form for upcoming the World Championships

One more day to go for Alberto Contador and we can declare him the 2012 winner

Stage 20:  La Faisanera Golf. Segovia 21 → Bola del Mundo, 171 km   Full Results and Report


For the first time in 20 stages at this year's Vuelta, the peloton got dumped on

Alberto Contador enjoying his favorite ride snack in the pouring rain, a banana

Fans assembling at the summit finish, La Bola del Mundo (11.4 km @ 8.6 %, max 23 %)

La Bola del Mundo literally translates to "The ball of the world"


Find the leaders on the road, Denis Menchov and Richie Porte, in this photo

Break survivors Denis Menchov and Richie Porte

Denis Menchov and Richie Porte

Joaquim Rodriguez (Katusha) attacking from the GC group

Joaquim Rodriguez (Katusha) on the steep (23%), broken up concrete near the finish

Alejandro Valverde (Movistar) and Alberto Contador (Saxo Bank-Tinkoff Bank)

Alejandro Valverde (Movistar) attacking Alberto Contador (Saxo Bank-Tinkoff Bank)

Alberto Contador (Saxo Bank-Tinkoff Bank) letting his rivals go up the road

Contador getting an ear full telling him to get going

Not the Katusha rider you'd expect to win this stage, Denis Menchov wins stage 20

Richie Porte was with Menchov until the final 100m, but lost 17s in that short distance to finish second

Joaquim Rodriguez (Katusha) gained 44s on Contador today, but he started the day down 2:21 so it wasn't nearly enough. He finished 9th on the stage + 3:31.

Alejandro Valverde (Movistar) finish 10th + 3:56 and gained 19s on Contador

Alberto Contador (Saxo Bank-Tinkoff Bank)

Alberto Contador (Saxo Bank-Tinkoff Bank) was 12th + 4:08...

12th was all he needed today to wrap up the overall and start celebrating

Panorama of more riders coming up the 23% section

Post race: Liquigas descending after the race


Former overall Vuelta winner, Denis Menchov (Katusha) is your stage 20 winner this year

Alberto Contador (Saxo Bank-Tinkoff Bank) wrapped up the overall win today ahead of Sunday's ceremonial stage in Madrid

Contador, Spanish and bike racing fans should be celebrating an excellent race tonight

Stage 21:  Cercedilla → Madrid, 112 km  Full Results and Report


Saxo Bank-Tinkoff Bank leading the way on the Madrid circuit


John Degenkolb (Argos-Shimano) wins his fifth sprint finish at this year's Vuelta. 2nd today, Ella Viviani (Liquigas-Cannondale) and 3rd, Daniele Bennati (RadioShack-Nissan)

Another Grand Tour win for Alberto Contador who's counting the ones taken away from him

John Degenkolb (Argos-Shimano) high fives on the stage 21 podium ie. five wins

Your 2012 Vuelta a Espana winner, Alberto Contador (Saxo Bank-Tinkoff Bank)

These three guys made the race: 2nd Alejandro Valverde (Movistar) + 1:16, 1st Alberto Contador (Saxo Bank-Tinkoff Bank) 84:59:49, 3rd Joaquim Rodriguez (Katusha) + 1:37


Lets get this party started

Saxo Bank-Tinkoff Bank salvaged their season with Alberto Contador's win which was a true team effort

This was the final race of David Moncoutié's 16 year pro career, all for one team, Cofidis. He was an enigmatic, clean rider who won many prestigious major mountain stages while competing in the doping era. 13th on GC at the 2002 Tour de France was his best Grand Tour result during the Lance Armstrong era. (file photo)
Moncoutié confirms retirementcyclingnews

Stage 22:  Alcorcón → Madrid, 112 km  Full Results and Report