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

« Vuelta a Espana 2012 Live Dashboard

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 retirement — cyclingnews

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