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Vuelta a Espana (2017) Photos Aug 19 - Sep 10

« Vuelta a Espana 2017 Dashboard



Stage 0:  Pre-Race/ Race Presentation  Full Results and Report





























































Stage 1:  Nîmes, 13.7 km  Full Results and Report


Sam Smith is back with paintings of the Vuelta this time starting with the Maison Carrée view of the opening TTT in Nimes

Start scene for the Stage 1 TTT in Nimes at Maison Carrée, one of the best preserved Roman Empire temples

Caja Rural-Seguros RGA passing through the arena in Nimes


Spectators in Arena de Nimes where the Stage 1 TTT passed through

7th Lotto-Soudal + 24s

6th Bora Hansgrohe + 21s

One of the many crashes; UAE team in disarray after early crash

Team Sunweb

Team Sunweb entering the arena in Nimes on their way to finishing 3rd + 6s

Niki TERPSTRA leading Quick-Step Floors

Quick-Step Floors was 2nd + 6s

BMC about to roll down the start ramp at Maison Carrée

BMC Racing won the 13.7 km TTT in 15:58

BMC Racing riding through the arena in Nimes

Roman Bardet and his AG2R La Mondiale team were 18th + 46s

Svein Tuft leading Orica-Scott to 5th + 17s

Team Astana from a distance

8th Movistar + 24s

4th Team Sky + 9s

Team Sky

Alberto Contador's Trek-Segafredo team was 11th + 35s

Interesting video insights behind Sam Smith's paintings from the St 1 TTT esp. his praise for Alberto Contador

The victory re-entering the stadium

Daniel Oss plays bull in the bull ring


Your Stage 1 TTT winners, BMC Racing

A round of applause for the first race leader...

Aussie Rohan Dennis was first across the line for BMC and will wear the red leader's jersey for at least stage 2

Nicolas Roche takes mountains jersey after the flat TTT!

Bob Jungels (Quick step) was the best young rider


Another Grand Tour TTT win for BMC

Stage 2:  Nîmes → Gruissan, 203 km  Full Results and Report


John Degenkolb

Matteo Trentin

Lawrence Warbasse (Aqua Blue Sport) looking resplendent in his U.S. kit



Race leader Rohan Dennis

Alberto Contadro


Julien Alaphilippe

Chris Froome


Start scene in front of the Arena in Nimes, site of the Stage 1 TTT





More Vuelta a Espana paintings from Sam Smith

A crash in the high winds at the halfway point saw two riders abandon. More Vuelta a Espana paintings from Sam Smith

Yves Lampaert makes a break with 1 km to go. More Vuelta a Espana paintings from Sam Smith

Quickstep in full control of the finish to Stage 2 in Gruissan

Yves Lampaert wins Stage 2

More Vuelta a Espana paintings from Sam Smith


Yves LAMPAERT (BEL/QUICK - STEP FLOORS) broke free with 1 km to go and held on ahead of teammate Matteo TRENTIN (ITA/QUICK - STEP FLOORS), 3rd Adam BLYTHE (GBR/AQUA BLUE SPORT), 4th Edward THEUNS (BEL/TREK - SEGAFREDO)




Your stage 2 winner, Yves LAMPAERT (BEL/QUICK - STEP FLOORS)

And new race leader, Yves LAMPAERT (BEL/QUICK - STEP FLOORS)


Stage 3:  Prades → Andorra, 159 km  Full Results and Report


Luis Angel MATE (COFIDIS)

Fabio ARU (ASTANA) signing in for Stage 3

The race leader, Yves LAMPAERT (BEL/QUICK - STEP FLOORS) signing in for Stage 3

Pre-race festivities

The leader's jersey would switch today from Yves LAMPAERT (BEL/QUICK - STEP FLOORS) on the left to Chris FROOME (SKY) on the right

Roll out for Stage 3 Prades (FR) → Andorra for the first mountain stage. More Vuelta a Espana paintings from Sam Smith

The ever aggressive Thomas DE GENDT (LOTTO SOUDAL) attacked first from the gun on this short stage to get the break started


The break goes over the first cat 1 climb




30 km to go: Lone break survivors, David Villella (Cannondale-Drapac) and Alexandre Geniez (AG2R La Mondiale) were caught after cresting COLL DE LA RABASSA (cat 1)

7 km to go: Chris FROOME (SKY) attacked on Alto de la Comella (cat 2) climb and only Esteban CHAVES (ORICA - SCOTT) could respond

Chris Froome on the attack

Froome's attack temporarily put Vincenzo Nibali in trouble

1 km to go: After a fast, dodgy descent, the most of the GC contenders were back together



The Yates twins 20s back

Vincenzo Nibali attacks out of the final corners

The finish scene in Andorra


Shark victory salute from Vincenzo NIBALI (ITA/BAHRAIN - MERIDA)

More Vuelta a Espana paintings from Sam Smith

2nd David DE LA CRUZ (QUICK - STEP FLOORS) s.t.


3rd Christopher FROOME (GBR/SKY), 4th Romain BARDET (FRA/AG2R LA MONDIALE), 5th Esteban CHAVES (COL/ORICA - SCOTT) s.t.



10th Michael WOODS (CAN/CANNONDALE DRAPAC) + 25s, 11th Adam YATES (GBR/ORICA - SCOTT), 12th Mikel NIEVE ITURRALDE (ESP/SKY)

Simon Yates 14th

Igor Anton leading in the next group



Alberto Contador coming in 2+ minutes later




37th Alberto CONTADOR (TREK - SEGAFREDO) + 2:33



Say it ain't so, Joe


Your Stage 3 winner, Vincenzo NIBALI (ITA/BAHRAIN - MERIDA)


Davide Villela (cannondale) in the kom jersey

New race leader, Christopher FROOME (GBR/SKY) by 2s

Alexandre Geniez (ag2r) wins the combativity prize

quick step won teams prize

Adam Yates won the best young rider

Stage 4:  Escaldes → Tarragona, 198 km  Full Results and Report


3rd overall Nicolas ROCHE (BMC RACING)

Carlos BETANCUR (MOVISTAR)


One of the more popular riders, Omar FRAILE (DIMENSION DATA)

Race director Javier Guillen

Another resplendent photo of Captain America, Lawrence WARBASSE (AQUA BLUE SPORT)

Fabio ARU

An autograph from today's eventual winner, Matteo TRENTIN (QUICK - STEP FLOORS)


Obscured in yesterday's finish where he finished 2nd and now second overall, David DE LA CRUZ (QUICK - STEP FLOORS)

6th overall, Esteban CHAVES (ORICA - SCOTT) + 11s

Chris FROOME rolling into Escaldes as the race leader



Alberto CONTADOR off to a rough start suffering from stomach problems

The rollout from Escaldes

Today's break

Today's break: Stéphane Rossetto (Cofidis), Juan Felipe Osorio (Manzana Postobon) and the Caja Rural duo of Diego Rubio and Nicholas Schulz broke away from the peloton in the early kilometres and quickly built up a sizable lead (cyclingnews)

Long view of the peloton passing over a reservior

Chris FROOME

The two remaining riders, Diego Rubio (Caja Rural) and Stéphane Rossetto (Cofidis)


Sunweb’s Wilco Kelderman hit the deck and lost time today

The sprint finish in Tarragona without top-tier sprinters




Matteo TRENTIN (ITA/QUICK - STEP FLOORS) wins in 4:43:57 ahead of 2nd Juan Jose LOBATO DEL VALLE (ESP/LOTTO NL - JUMBO), 3rd Tom VAN ASBROECK (BEL/CANNONDALE DRAPAC), 4th Edward THEUNS (BEL/TREK - SEGAFREDO), 5th Jens DEBUSSCHERE (BEL/LOTTO SOUDAL)


100th rider to win stages in all three Grand Tours. More Vuelta a Espana paintings from Sam Smith






Domenico Pozzovivo (Ag2r La Mondiale) wasn't happy at the finish. He crashed with 3.3 km to go just outside the time safety zone and lost over 2 minutes

Domenico Pozzovivo (Ag2r La Mondiale)

Your Stage 4 winner, Matteo TRENTIN (ITA/QUICK - STEP FLOORS), 100th rider to win stages in all three Grand Tours


Points leader too


Race leader, Chris FROOME (SKY) after his first day in Red



Stage 5:  Benicassim → Ermita Santa Lucia, 176 km  Full Results and Report



Yesterday's winner and now points leader, Matteo TRENTIN (ITA/QUICK - STEP FLOORS)

Vincenzo NIBALI

Alberto CONTADOR did much better today

Race leader, Chris FROOME

Rollout from the beaches of Benicassim





The break

One of the five cat 2 or cat 3 climbs on today's stage







The front of the race with Alexey Lutsenko (Astana) and Marco Haller (Katusha-Alpecin) before the finishing cat 3 climb to Ermita Santa Lucia

Alexey LUTSENKO (KAZ/ASTANA) dropped his breammate at the base of the finishing climb

Alexey LUTSENKO (KAZ/ASTANA)

Alexey LUTSENKO (KAZ/ASTANA)

Next on the road, Merhawi KUDUS (ERI/DIMENSION DATA)

Merhawi KUDUS (ERI/DIMENSION DATA)

Marc SOLER GIMENEZ (ESP/MOVISTAR) would finish 3rd + 56s

Matej MOHORIC (SLO/UAE TEAM EMIRATES) on his way to 4th + 1:11

25 year old Alexey LUTSENKO (KAZ/ASTANA) celebrates his 10th career win but his first Grand Tour win


Finish scene at Ermita Santa Lucia towering above the region

2nd Merhawi KUDUS (ERI/DIMENSION DATA) + 42s

Over 4 minutes back were the GC contenders

Esteban CHAVES (COL/ORICA - SCOTT) putting in a dig on one of the three 18% sections



3rd Marc SOLER GIMENEZ (ESP/MOVISTAR) + 56s


Gianni MOSCON inflicting damage on the GC group on behalf of race leader, Chris FROOME seen here taking inventory



Vincenzo NIBALI had a rough day losing touch of the GC contenders on the final climb



Alberto Contador animated the GC group on the final climb. More Vuelta a Espana paintings from Sam Smith


13th Alberto CONTADOR VELASCO (ESP/TREK - SEGAFREDO) + 4:31, 14th Christopher FROOME (GBR/SKY), 15th Michael WOODS (CAN/CANNONDALE DRAPAC), 16th Esteban CHAVES (COL/ORICA - SCOTT)



17th Tejay VAN GARDEREN (USA/BMC RACING) + 4:39 and now 2nd overall + 10s



20th Fabio ARU (ASTANA) + 4:42


30th Vincenzo NIBALI (BAHRAIN - MERIDA) + 4:57


39th Romain BARDET (AG2R LA MONDIALE + 5:20

Alberto Contador was pleased with his rebound from yesterday



Chris Froome "cooling" down post race

Your Stage 5 winner, Alexey LUTSENKO (KAZ/ASTANA)

Race leader, Christopher FROOME (GBR/SKY) on top of the race leaderboard and the surrounding region


Stage 6:  Vila Real → Sagunto, 204 km  Full Results and Report


2nd yesterday, Merhawi KUDUS (ERI/DIMENSION DATA)

Luis Angel MATE (COFIDIS) loves a good photo-op

Despite crashing twice today, Tejay VAN GARDEREN (BMC RACING) only lost 17s to Chris Froome and says he isn't injuried

Speaking of Chris Froome

Not everyone is impressed with the Green Jersey

Naturally, Alberto Contador is the fan favorite


Start scene for Stage 6, the route hilly from Vila Real → Sagunto

13:44:13 134413_20170824VUE038.jpg

The early breakaway with Maxime Monfort and Bob Jungels

Maxime Monfort and Bob Jungels More Vuelta a Espana paintings from Sam Smith

TREK - SEGAFREDO upping the pace with 41 km to go...

Peter STETINA (TREK - SEGAFREDO) stringing out the GC contenders

Alberto Contador attacks



Numerous crashes today

Luis León SANCHEZ (ASTANA) checking to see if he's in no man's land from the chase

Three men sprint finish in Sagunto

17:14:03 171403_681010739.jpg

Tomasz MARCZYNSKI (POL/LOTTO SOUDAL) wins Stage 6 ahead of 2nd Pawel POLJANSKI (POL/BORA - HANSGROHE) and 3rd Enric MAS NICOLAU (ESP/QUICK - STEP FLOORS)



More Vuelta a Espana paintings from Sam Smith




4th Luis León SANCHEZ (ESP/ASTANA) + 8s and 5th Jan POLANC (SLO/UAE TEAM EMIRATES)


Victory celebration

The GC contenders 26s later

6th Warren BARGUIL (FRA/SUNWEB) + 26s, 7th Giovanni VISCONTI (ITA/BAHRAIN - MERIDA), 8th Christopher FROOME (GBR/SKY), 9th Fabio ARU (ITA/ASTANA)


Alberto Contador's attack didn't gain him any time as he crossed with the GC contenders

He's going to need some help

The 11 year pro takes the biggest win of his career, your stage 6 winner Tomasz MARCZYNSKI (POL/LOTTO SOUDAL)

33 year-old Tomasz MARCZYNSKI (POL/LOTTO SOUDAL) basking on the Stage 6 podium

Davide VILLELLA (CANNONDALE DRAPAC) continues to lead the KOM competition

3rd today and most combative rider, Enric MAS NICOLAU (QUICK - STEP FLOORS)

He was tested today, Christopher FROOME (GBR/SKY) still looks unbeatable

Stage 7:  Lliria → Cuenca, 207 km  Full Results and Report


Captain America, Lawrence Warbasse, crashed out on today's stage with a broken hand (among other things)

Focused. We'll see Matej MOHORIC (SLO/UAE TEAM EMIRATES) again later.

Despite crashing twice yesterday, 4th overall Tejay VAN GARDEREN (USA/BMC RACING) is good to go

3rd yesterday, the young Spanish rider, Enric MAS NICOLAU (QUICK - STEP FLOORS)

Race leader, Chris FROOME, signing-in

Best smile in the peloton and 2nd overall + 11s Esteban CHAVES (COL/ORICA - SCOTT)

5th overall Vincenzo NIBALI (ITA/BAHRAIN - MERIDA) + 36s

Alberto Contador

Start scene for Stage 7 in Lliria

Team Sky at the front of the peloton

More Vuelta a Espana paintings from Sam Smith

The large breakaway of the day

Thomas DE GENDT







The breakaway



Matej MOHORIC (SLO/UAE TEAM EMIRATES) rides the break off his wheel

Matej MOHORIC (SLO/UAE TEAM EMIRATES) solos into Cuenca with the remnants of the chase in site behind him




Former World U23 champion from 4 years ago, Matej MOHORIC (SLO/UAE TEAM EMIRATES) takes his first World Tour win as a pro

More Vuelta a Espana paintings from Sam Smith




2nd Pawel POLJANSKI (POL/BORA - HANSGROHE) + 16s followed by 3rd Jose ROJAS (ESP/MOVISTAR) and 4th Thomas DE GENDT (BEL/LOTTO SOUDAL)

5th Alessandro DE MARCHI (ITA/BMC RACING) + 27s, 6th Floris DE TIER (BEL/LOTTO NL - JUMBO), 7th Jetse BOL (NED/MANZANA POSTOBON TEAM) + 29s


15th Mikel NIEVE ITURRALDE (ESP/SKY) + 8:38, leads in the GC group



Your Stage 7 winner, Matej MOHORIC (SLO/UAE TEAM EMIRATES)



Race leader expects to give up the leader's jersey on this weekend's mountains



Stage 8:  Hellín → Xorret de Catí, 200 km  Full Results and Report





Start scene in Hellin

Alberto Contador was feeling good again today




1st and 2nd overall, Christopher FROOME (GBR/SKY) and 2nd Esteban CHAVES (COL/ORICA - SCOTT) + 28s

Hosing off in the heat

The break

The break. More Vuelta a Espana paintings from Sam Smith.

The break


The large break was reduced to Rafal MAJKA (POL/BORA - HANSGROHE) and Julian ALAPHILIPPE (FRA/QUICK - STEP FLOORS) on the steep Xorret de Cati climb (max 18%)




Meanwhile, Alberto CONTADOR VELASCO (ESP/TREK - SEGAFREDO) was attacking off the GC group




Jan POLANC (SLO/UAE TEAM EMIRATES) clawed back Rafal MAJKA (POL/BORA - HANSGROHE) and Julian ALAPHILIPPE (FRA/QUICK - STEP FLOORS) as they crested the top of Xorret de Cati

Next from the break, Nelson OLIVEIRA (POR/MOVISTAR) followed by Serge PAUWELS (BEL/DIMENSION DATA)


Chris FROOME (GBR/SKY) countered Alberto CONTADOR's attack



More Vuelta a Espana paintings from Sam Smith

Alberto CONTADOR VELASCO (ESP/TREK - SEGAFREDO) was gapped by Chris FROOME...

but with the encouragement of the Spanish fans he clawed his way back to Chris Froome



Alberto CONTADOR VELASCO (ESP/TREK - SEGAFREDO) rides back up to Chris FROOME (GBR/SKY)

More Vuelta a Espana paintings from Sam Smith

1 Julian ALAPHILIPPE (FRA/QUICK - STEP FLOORS) sprints away from Jan POLANC (SLO/UAE TEAM EMIRATES) + 2s, 3 Rafal MAJKA (POL/BORA - HANSGROHE)





Julian ALAPHILIPPE (FRA/QUICK - STEP FLOORS) wins Stage 8 ahead of 2nd Jan POLANC (SLO/UAE TEAM EMIRATES) + 2s and 3 Rafal MAJKA (POL/BORA - HANSGROHE)

First Grand Tour win for Julian ALAPHILIPPE (FRA/QUICK - STEP FLOORS)

2nd Jan POLANC (SLO/UAE TEAM EMIRATES) + 2s and 3 Rafal MAJKA (POL/BORA - HANSGROHE)

4th Serge PAUWELS (BEL/DIMENSION DATA) + 26s and 5th Nelson OLIVEIRA (POR/MOVISTAR) + 28s

6th Michel KREDER (NED/AQUA BLUE SPORT) + 32s and 7th Maxime MONFORT (BEL/LOTTO SOUDAL)



Just like 2010, Tejay VAN GARDEREN (BMC RACING) was dropped on Xorret de Catí, finishing 29th + 1:55

3rd overall Nicolas ROCHE (BMC RACING) was dropped too

Another bad day for Bardet

Chris FROOME (GBR/SKY) was the first of the GC contenders to go over the top of Xorret de Cati

Christopher FROOME (GBR/SKY) leads Alberto CONTADOR VELASCO (ESP/TREK - SEGAFREDO) on the finishing descent





Alberto CONTADOR VELASCO (ESP/TREK - SEGAFREDO) sprints for 13th + 1:27 ahead of 14th Christopher FROOME (GBR/SKY)



Alberto CONTADOR VELASCO (ESP/TREK - SEGAFREDO) sprints for 13th + 1:27 ahead of 14th Christopher FROOME (GBR/SKY)


The next group of GC contenders were 17s back


16th Vincenzo NIBALI (ITA/BAHRAIN - MERIDA) + 1:44, 17th Fabio ARU (ITA/ASTANA), 18th Ilnur ZAKARIN (RUS/KATUSHA ALPECIN), 19th Wout POELS (NED/SKY), 20th Esteban CHAVES (COL/ORICA - SCOTT)

More riders on Alto Xorret De Cati




Alberto CONTADOR VELASCO (ESP/TREK - SEGAFREDO) gained 17s on all the other GC contenders except Chris Froome and is now 17th overall

He has to continue to chip away; lots of work to get back in contention




Your Stage 8 winner, Julian ALAPHILIPPE (FRA/QUICK - STEP FLOORS). QUICK - STEP FLOORS has now won 22% of the Grand Tour stages this year.




Chrisr FROOME (GBR/SKY) extended his overall lead to 28s




Stage 9:  Orihuela → Cumbres del Sol, 174 km  Full Results and Report


12th overall Sam OOMEN (NED/SUNWEB) + 3:04, who turned 22 years-old earlier this month


Alberto CONTADOR (ESP/TREK - SEGAFREDO)

Enjoying the moment, Alberto CONTADOR (ESP/TREK - SEGAFREDO)


Start scene for Stage 9 in Orihuela




Costa Blanca. More Vuelta a Espana paintings from Sam Smith

The break








First pass of the finishing climb




Great view of the swimming pools and the surrounding region







2nd time up, the cat 1 Alto de Puig Lloren (4.1 km at 8.9 %, max 19 %)

Mikel NIEVE (SKY) leading the peloton






Chris FROOME (GBR/SKY) attacked with 500m to go, dropping everyone







A runner-up here two years ago, Chris FROOME (GBR/SKY) wins Stage 9


More Vuelta a Espana paintings from Sam Smith




2nd Esteban CHAVES (COL/ORICA - SCOTT) + 4s and 3rd Michael WOODS (CAN/CANNONDALE DRAPAC) + 5s

3rd Michael WOODS (CAN/CANNONDALE DRAPAC) + 5s followed by 4th Wilco KELDERMAN (NED/SUNWEB) + 8s and 5th Ilnur ZAKARIN (RUS/KATUSHA ALPECIN)

6th Alberto CONTADOR VELASCO (ESP/TREK - SEGAFREDO) + 12s


7th David DE LA CRUZ MELGAREJO (ESP/QUICK - STEP FLOORS) + 12s

12th Tejay VAN GARDEREN (USA/BMC RACING) + 19s and 13th Miguel Angel LOPEZ MORENO (COL/ASTANA)

18th Wout POELS (NED/SKY) + 55s

22nd Igor ANTON HERNANDEZ (ESP/DIMENSION DATA) + 1:15












Your Stage 9 winner, Chris FROOME (GBR/SKY)

Now also the points leader, Chris FROOME (GBR/SKY)

Chris FROOME (GBR/SKY) now leads by 36s



Stage 10:  Caravaca de la Cruz → El Pozo Alimentación, 164 km  Full Results and Report


Wet start to Stage 10 in Caravaca de la Cruz

Today's break led by Matteo TRENTIN (ITA/QUICK - STEP FLOORS) and Jaime ROSON GARCIA (ESP/CAJA RURAL - SEGUROS RGA)


Team Sky managing the gap

Chris Froome keeping hydrated

Cat 1 climb, Collado Bermejo, 30 km to go from the finish

More Vuelta a Espana paintings from Sam Smith


Vincenzo NIBALI (ITA/BAHRAIN - MERIDA) leading the GC

Christopher FROOME (GBR/SKY)

Alberto CONTADOR VELASCO (ESP/TREK - SEGAFREDO) and Fabio ARU (ASTANA)

Overhead of the tricky descent

Alexandre GENIEZ (FRA/AG2R LA MONDIALE) almost goes off the road on the descent with Marc SOLER GIMENEZ (ESP/MOVISTAR) behind him

Vincenzo NIBALI (ITA/BAHRAIN - MERIDA) attacked on the descent from the GC group but eased up because it was damp and littered with tree debris

Matteo TRENTIN (ITA/QUICK - STEP FLOORS) wins the break ahead of 2nd Jose ROJAS (ESP/MOVISTAR) + 1s

Another Grand Tour win for Quick Step

More Vuelta a Espana paintings from Sam Smith


The scene at the finish line

2nd Jose ROJAS (ESP/MOVISTAR) + 1s

3rd Jaime ROSON GARCIA (ESP/CAJA RURAL - SEGUROS RGA) + 19s and 4th Jacques Willem JANSE VAN RENSBURG (RSA/DIMENSION DATA) + 21s

5th Alexandre GENIEZ (FRA/AG2R LA MONDIALE) + 56s and 6th Marc SOLER GIMENEZ (ESP/MOVISTAR) + 59s

6th Marc SOLER GIMENEZ (ESP/MOVISTAR) + 59s

7th Luis León SANCHEZ (ESP/ASTANA)+ 2:22 and 8th Alessandro DE MARCHI (ITA/BMC RACING)

12th Nicolas ROCHE (IRL/BMC RACING) attacked off the GC group and gained 29s on GC


The GC group taking their time





Your Stage 10 winner, Matteo TRENTIN (ITA/QUICK - STEP FLOORS)




Another leader's jersey for Chris FROOME (GBR/SKY) who is feeling comfortable in Red



Stage 11:  Lorca → Calar Alto, 188 km  Full Results and Report


Nicolas ROCHE (BMC RACING) doesn't like the cold and it showed in his bad weather result today slipping from 3rd to 11th on GC today

Race leader Christopher FROOME (GBR/SKY) doesn't like the cold weather either but he press on

Igor Anton won the observatory summit finish at Calar Alto in 2006, but he is not the same rider anymore

Miserable conditions in the first half of today's stage






Chris Froome and Wout Pols



The break

The break

The break. More Vuelta a Espana paintings from Sam Smith.


The scene at the Calar Alto observatory summit finish line

The first of two Vincenzo NIBALI (ITA/BAHRAIN - MERIDA) attacks followed by the time by Alberto CONTADOR VELASCO (ESP/TREK - SEGAFREDO) who had pain on his face

Second attack by Vincenzo NIBALI (ITA/BAHRAIN - MERIDA)

The stage winner, Miguel Angel LOPEZ MORENO (COL/ASTANA) successfully attacked with one km to go



Next on the road who were dropped by today's winner, Christopher FROOME (GBR/SKY), Vincenzo NIBALI (ITA/BAHRAIN - MERIDA), Wilco KELDERMAN (NED/SUNWEB)



Alberto Contador leads the next group


Part of the earlier break, Darwin ATAPUMA (COL/UAE TEAM EMIRATES) finished 9th + 1:02

11th Michael WOODS (CAN/CANNONDALE DRAPAC) + 1:17 and 10th David DE LA CRUZ MELGAREJO (ESP/QUICK - STEP FLOORS) + 1:14

14th Pello BILBAO LOPEZ DE ARMENTIA (ESP/ASTANA) + 1:32, 15th Fabio ARU (ITA/ASTANA) and 16th Steven KRUIJSWIJK (NED/LOTTO NL - JUMBO)

The winner cresting the final rise. More Vuelta a Espana paintings from Sam Smith.



Miguel Angel LOPEZ MORENO (COL/ASTANA) win Stage 11


The finish scene for Stage 11


2nd Christopher FROOME (GBR/SKY) + 14s, 3rd Vincenzo NIBALI (ITA/BAHRAIN - MERIDA) and 4th Wilco KELDERMAN (NED/SUNWEB)


Wilco KELDERMAN (NED/SUNWEB) is now 5th overall


Bad day for Esteban CHAVES RUBIO (COL/ORICA - SCOTT)

17th Esteban CHAVES RUBIO (COL/ORICA - SCOTT) + 2:05, 18th Sam OOMEN (NED/SUNWEB), 19th Sergio PARDILLA BELLON (ESP/CAJA RURAL - SEGUROS RGA) and 20th Louis MEINTJES (RSA/UAE TEAM EMIRATES)


5th Romain BARDET (FRA/AG2R LA MONDIALE) + 31s, 6th Alberto CONTADOR VELASCO (ESP/TREK - SEGAFREDO), 7th Ilnur ZAKARIN (RUS/KATUSHA ALPECIN), 8th Mikel NIEVE ITURRALDE (ESP/SKY)


Tejay said goodbye to his GC hopes today. 21st Tejay VAN GARDEREN (USA/BMC RACING) + 3:26

Chris Froome extended his overall lead

Nicolas ROCHE (BMC RACING) did even worse than Tejay today and slipped from 3rd to 11th on GC today. 'My legs were like two blocks of cement.'

Franco Pellizotti took his time after pace setting earlier on the climb


Your stage 11 winner, Miguel Angel LOPEZ MORENO (COL/ASTANA)


Christopher FROOME (GBR/SKY) is firmly in command of the general classification

Stage 12:  Motril → Antequera, 160 km  Full Results and Report


5th overall Wilco KELDERMAN (NED/SUNWEB) + 2:17

7th overall Fabio ARU (ITA/ASTANA) + 2:37

2nd overall Vincenzo NIBALI (ITA/BAHRAIN - MERIDA) + 59s

Race leader, Chris FROOME (SKY) at the Stage 12 start in Motril

3rd overall Esteban CHAVES (COL/ORICA - SCOTT) + 2:13

After his successful attack on the GC group, Alberto CONTADOR VELASCO (ESP/TREK - SEGAFREDO) is 9th overall + 3:13

Start scene in Motril


The peloton along the Mediterranean coast



Mediterranean coast. More Vuelta a Espana paintings from Sam Smith


The break.


20 km to go: Alberto CONTADOR VELASCO (ESP/TREK - SEGAFREDO) attacks from the GC group on the cat 2, Puerto del Torcal

GC group

Alberto CONTADOR VELASCO (ESP/TREK - SEGAFREDO) cheered on by the Spanish crowd

Alberto CONTADOR VELASCO (ESP/TREK - SEGAFREDO) successfully attacked off the GC group and gained time with the help of teammate, Edward THEUNS

Meanwhile, Chris FROOME (SKY) crashed and lost time

Chris Froome just after his crash before joining up with his teammates

Chris Froome and teammates minimizing their losses

They never made it back to the GC group

Tomasz MARCZYNSKI (POL/LOTTO SOUDAL) solos into Antequera


Tomasz MARCZYNSKI (POL/LOTTO SOUDAL) wins Stage 12 in Antequera

Two wins (so far) at this year's race


13th Alberto CONTADOR VELASCO (ESP/TREK - SEGAFREDO) + 7:25

Contador looks back to see no one behind him


The GC group minus Chris Froome

14th Steven KRUIJSWIJK (NED/LOTTO NL - JUMBO)+ 7:47, 15th Miguel Angel LOPEZ MORENO (COL/ASTANA), 16th David DE LA CRUZ MELGAREJO (ESP/QUICK - STEP FLOORS), 17th Vincenzo NIBALI (ITA/BAHRAIN - MERIDA), 18th Esteban CHAVES RUBIO (COL/ORICA - SCOTT)


Tattered Chris Froome digging for the line

47s behind Contador and 20s behind the GC group, 32nd Christopher FROOME (GBR/SKY) + 8:07


Alberto Contador post race: "Today was a better day than what we were expecting"


"Considering the profile of the day and the way it finished, I didn't expect anything so what I got is very welcome. Every day we get closer to the podium but I will keep living day by day and without stress."




Your Stage 12 winner, Tomasz MARCZYNSKI (POL/LOTTO SOUDAL), second win at this year's Vuelta



Most combative rider and second today Omar FRAILE MATARRANZ (ESP/DIMENSION DATA)+ 52s

The banged up winner, Christopher FROOME (GBR/SKY) leads Vincenzo Nibali by 59s

It will be interesting to see how Chris Froome's injury effects the GC battle

Stage 13:  Coín → Tomares, 198 km  Full Results and Report


Omar FRAILE before abandoning this year's Vuelta

Points leader Matteo TRENTIN (ITA/QUICK - STEP FLOORS). We'll see him again later

Best young rider and 10th overall Miguel Angel LOPEZ MORENO (COL/ASTANA) + 3:58

Great reception for Alberto CONTADOR VELASCO (ESP/TREK - SEGAFREDO)

Alberto CONTADOR VELASCO (ESP/TREK - SEGAFREDO)

Esteban CHAVES RUBIO (COL/ORICA - SCOTT)

Chris FROOME (GBR/SKY)

Start scene in Coin



Thomas de Gendt in the break again

KOM leader, Davide VILLELLA (CANNONDALE DRAPAC)



The peloton passing through olive groves










The two remaining riders before being caught, Alessandro DE MARCHI (BMC) and Thomas DE GENDT (LOTTO SOUDAL)

Uphill sprint finish in Tomares


More Vuelta a Espana paintings from Sam Smith



Third win at this year's Vuelta for Matteo TRENTIN (ITA/QUICK - STEP FLOORS) ahead of 2nd Gianni MOSCON (ITA/SKY), 3rd Søren KRAGH ANDERSEN (DEN/SUNWEB), 4th Michael SCHWARZMANN (GER/BORA - HANSGROHE) and 5th Tom VAN ASBROECK (BEL/CANNONDALE DRAPAC)







Third win at this year's Vuelta for Matteo TRENTIN (ITA/QUICK - STEP FLOORS) and the fifth by his team. Quick Step has now won 5 stages in all three Grand Tours this year. Last time team to do that was HTC in 2009.

Most combative rider, Thomas DE GENDT (LOUDAL SOUDAL)

No problems today for race leader, Chris FROOME (SKY) other than a pussing knee

Stage 14:  Écija → Sierra de la Pandera, 175 km  Full Results and Report


Thomas de Gendt on the attack again

It was a serious mountain stage, but a day off for sprinters


The steep climb through Jaen is often used as a finish at the Vuelta




Last break survivor, Rafal MAJKA (POL/BORA - HANSGROHE) soloed the final climb to the finish at Sierra de la Pandera

Romain BARDET (AG2R LA MONDIALE) attack

Wout Poels pac setting for his team leader

Esteban CHAVES RUBIO (COL/ORICA - SCOTT) attack which would later cost him time


The GC group distanced the Chris Froome (momentarily). More Vuelta a Espana paintings from Sam Smith

Chris Froome going action bringing back his GC contenders


Some weren't part of the GC battle

Vincenzo NIBALI (ITA/BAHRAIN - MERIDA) looks to see that Chris FROOME (SKY) has clawed back. Alberto CONTADOR is on the limit here.

Alberto Contador with one last attempt to gain time, but it cost him 7s at the finish

Rafal MAJKA (POL/BORA - HANSGROHE) coming into view




Rafal MAJKA (POL/BORA - HANSGROHE) wins the Stage 14 especial summit finish at Sierra de la Pandera

More Vuelta a Espana paintings from Sam Smith



2nd Miguel Angel LOPEZ MORENO (COL/ASTANA) + 27s after his attack off the GC group

2nd Miguel Angel LOPEZ MORENO (COL/ASTANA) + 27s

Vincenzo NIBALI (ITA/BAHRAIN - MERIDA) for the line and the 4s 3rd place bonus seconds up for grabs

3rd Vincenzo NIBALI (ITA/BAHRAIN - MERIDA) + 31s, 4th Christopher FROOME (GBR/SKY), 5th Ilnur ZAKARIN (RUS/KATUSHA ALPECIN)


4th Christopher FROOME (GBR/SKY) + 31s, 5th Ilnur ZAKARIN (RUS/KATUSHA ALPECIN), 6th Wilco KELDERMAN (NED/SUNWEB)

7th Alberto CONTADOR VELASCO (ESP/TREK - SEGAFREDO) + 37s

8th Wout POELS (NED/SKY) + 46s

Paying for his earlier attack, 9th Esteban CHAVES RUBIO (COL/ORICA - SCOTT) + 57s

10th Fabio ARU (ITA/ASTANA) + 1:03

10th Fabio ARU (ITA/ASTANA) + 1:03

15th DE LA CRUZ MELGAREJO, David (QUICK - STEP FLOORS) + 1:15





Your Stage 15 winner, Rafal MAJKA (POL/BORA - HANSGROHE)




Best young rider on the day, 2nd Miguel Angel LOPEZ MORENO (COL/ASTANA) + 27s


Davide Villela continues to lead the KOM competiton


More riders coming in

Simon Yates lost a lot of time today


Team Sky wins the team award




Christopher FROOME (GBR/SKY) leads by 55s


Stage 15:  Alcalá la Real → Sierra Nevada, 129 km  Full Results and Report


Christopher FROOME (GBR/SKY) at the Stage 15 start in Alcalá la Real

3rd overall at the start of the day, Wilco KELDERMAN (NED/SUNWEB) signing in

Race leader, Christopher FROOME (GBR/SKY) signing in

Alberto CONTADOR VELASCO (ESP/TREK - SEGAFREDO) signing in

Stage 15 scenery... more olive groves. More Vuelta a Espana paintings from Sam Smith


Fabricio FERRARI BARCELO (CAJA RURAL - SEGUROS RGA)

Sander Armee (Bel/Lotto Soudal) was first of the cat 1 Alto de Hazallanas, km 74



Sander Armee (Bel/Lotto Soudal) is caught





Alberto CONTADOR VELASCO (ESP/TREK - SEGAFREDO) attacked with 26 km to go on the final climb (Sierra Nevada) and was followed by Miguel Angel LOPEZ MORENO (COL/ASTANA)

Vincenzo NIBALI (ITA/BAHRAIN - MERIDA) unsuccessfully attacked off the GC group before brought back by the Sky train

The Sky train bringing back NIBALI

Contador's wife and press manager watched the screen at the finish when he attacked, but it wasnt to be

GC group

Miguel Angel LOPEZ MORENO (COL/ASTANA) dropped Contador, caught and dropped Adam Yates

An impressive mountain finish for Miguel Angel LOPEZ MORENO (COL/ASTANA) as he charges to the finish

Miguel Angel LOPEZ MORENO (COL/ASTANA) beautifully painted by Sam Smith. More Vuelta a Espana paintings from Sam Smith

Ilnur ZAKARIN (RUS/KATUSHA ALPECIN) attacked off the gc group in the final km and gained 9s

Wout Poels was Chris Froome's super domestique and he also moved into the top 10 on GC



David DE LA CRUZ MELGAREJO (ESP/QUICK - STEP FLOORS) was dropped and finished 24th + 5:23

Less than 50m to go for Miguel Angel LOPEZ MORENO (COL/ASTANA)

Miguel Angel LOPEZ MORENO (COL/ASTANA)

Miguel Angel LOPEZ MORENO (COL/ASTANA)

Miguel Angel LOPEZ MORENO (COL/ASTANA) celebrates a solo win at Sierra Nevada, his second mountain win at this year's Vuelta

2nd Ilnur ZAKARIN (RUS/KATUSHA ALPECIN) + 36s


2nd today and now 3rd overall Ilnur ZAKARIN (RUS/KATUSHA ALPECIN) + 2:08

3rd Wilco KELDERMAN (NED/SUNWEB) + 45s, but drops to 4th overall + 2:11 behind ZAKARIN

4th Esteban CHAVES (COL/ORICA - SCOTT) + 47s and 5th overall + 2:39

Another well managed ride by race leader, Chris FROOME (SKY)

6th Michael WOODS (CAN/CANNONDALE DRAPAC) + 50s for 8th overall + 3:26 as Chris Froome watches his domestique move into the top 10 overall

7th Vincenzo NIBALI (ITA/BAHRAIN - MERIDA) + 53s and now + 1:01 back of Chris Froome

10th Pello BILBAO (ESP/ASTANA) + 1:02 and 11th Fabio ARU (ITA/ASTANA), 7th overall + 3:24

Another classic Fabio ARU finish face

12th Romain BARDET (FRA/AG2R LA MONDIALE) + 1:23

Crowd favourite Alberto Contador was distance in the final kms after his unsuccessful long attack

13th Alberto CONTADOR VELASCO (ESP/TREK - SEGAFREDO) + 1:27

Alberto Contador (Trek-Segafredo): “We have to be brave, to try. It's true that Sky have a very strong team, it was difficult. I knew it was risky but I wanted to try and see what could happen. In the end it was too long for me but you can't have regrets on what you've done. That's my style of racing. We drove the race, we pulled hard and in the end I paid it. One has to ride in a way that appeals him. I enjoy myself like that. I've lost time but the important thing now is to recover. The last week is to be enjoyed, nothing changes. To be in the bunch is hard for me. I was in a good company (with Miguel Angel Lopez) but maybe I was too generous in the first half.”


Crowd favourite Alberto Contador descends back down the mountain


Vincenzo NIBALI (ITA/BAHRAIN - MERIDA) rues the day

Esteban CHAVES (COL/ORICA - SCOTT) rues the day

Wilco KELDERMAN (NED/SUNWEB)

Press scrum around Alberto Contador 200m down the hill

Contador press scrum as his wife in full demin watches on

Contador and Vidarte checking times

Your Stage 15 winner, Miguel Angel LOPEZ (COL/ASTANA) on the podium for his 2nd mountain at this year's Vuelta

Astana gets the team prize too

Sander Armee (Lotto Soudal) the won combativity prize

Chris FROOME (SKY) leads the combined competition


and Chris FROOME (SKY) leads the points competition

and Chris FROOME (SKY) leads the overall by 1:01

Chris FROOME (SKY) is also looking forward to the time-trial after the rest day on Monday

The only competition Chris Froome doesn't lead, is the KOM competition which is currently in the control of Davide VILLELLA (CANNONDALE). Chris Froome is 3rd in the KOM competition.

Stage 16:  Circuito de Navarra → Logroño, 40 km  Full Results and Report


The start house for the Stage 16 ITT

The Stage 16 40 km ITT started on a race track in Navarra


Race leader, Chris FROOME (SKY) getting ready

Chris FROOME (SKY) in the start house

Chris FROOME (SKY) painted by Sam Smith. More Vuelta a Espana paintings from Sam Smith

Chris FROOME (SKY) started slowly by his standards

Chris FROOME (SKY)

Chris FROOME (SKY) picked up the paced through the 40 km course


Christopher FROOME (GBR/SKY) won the 40 km ITT in 47:00

Christopher FROOME (GBR/SKY) digging for the best time, 29s faster than the next rider

Jubilant Christopher FROOME (GBR/SKY) after his Stage 16 win

2nd Wilco KELDERMAN (NED/SUNWEB) + 29s to strengthen his 3rd overall position

2nd Wilco KELDERMAN (NED/SUNWEB) + 29s

2nd Wilco KELDERMAN (NED/SUNWEB) + 29s

Vincenzo NIBALI (ITA/BAHRAIN - MERIDA) before Stage 16

Vincenzo NIBALI (ITA/BAHRAIN - MERIDA) down the ramp

Vincenzo NIBALI (ITA/BAHRAIN - MERIDA) on the race track

Vincenzo NIBALI (ITA/BAHRAIN - MERIDA)

3rd Vincenzo NIBALI (ITA/BAHRAIN - MERIDA) + 57 and now 1:58 back of Froome on GC

Ilnur ZAKARIN (RUS/KATUSHA ALPECIN) had a surprising good TT

4th Ilnur ZAKARIN (RUS/KATUSHA ALPECIN) + 59s and 4th overall + 3:07

Alberto CONTADOR VELASCO (ESP/TREK - SEGAFREDO)

A beautiful painting of Alberto CONTADOR VELASCO (ESP/TREK - SEGAFREDO) on a good ride

Alberto CONTADOR VELASCO (ESP/TREK - SEGAFREDO) on the climb

Alberto CONTADOR VELASCO (ESP/TREK - SEGAFREDO) about to set a new best time

5th Alberto CONTADOR VELASCO (ESP/TREK - SEGAFREDO) + 59s to move up to 5th ovrall + 4:58

6th Tobias LUDVIGSSON (SWE/FDJ) + 1:07 had the early best time

7th Wout POELS (NED/SKY) + 1:11 and now 8th overall 6:33

8th Lennard KÄMNA (GER/SUNWEB) + 1:30

9th Bob JUNGELS (LUX/QUICK - STEP FLOORS) + 1:41

10th Daniel OSS (ITA/BMC RACING) + 1:49

22nd Miguel Angel LOPEZ MORENO (COL/ASTANA) + 2:34 dropping him down to 6th 5:25

22nd Miguel Angel LOPEZ MORENO (COL/ASTANA)

Also dropping down on GC, 26th Fabio ARU (ITA/ASTANA) + 3:03

Worst ride by a GC rider, 45th Esteban CHAVES (COL/ORICA - SCOTT) + 4:01

Stage 16 winner, Chris FROOME (SKY) is congratulated from the great Spanish cyclist MIGUEL INDURAIN who was also known for his time trialing


Other than the stage he crashed twice, this Vuelta has gone according to plan for Chris FROOME (SKY) who extended his overall lead to almost 2 minutes

Stage 17:  Villadiego → Los Machucos, 180 km  Full Results and Report


Alberto Contador enjoying a photo op prior to Stage 17. We'll see him again later

The start of the early break...

with Alessandro De Marchi (BMC), Stefan Denifl (Aqua Blue) and Dani Moreno (Movistar) quickly jumping away


The main break of the day

The main break

Alberto Contador biding his time

Dani Moreno (Movistar) leading the break

The foggy penultimate climb

Approaching Los Machucos, the steep finishing climb

Alessandro DE MARCHI (BMC) pulling one final face before being dropped by Daniel MORENO (MOVISTAR) and Stefan DENIFL (AQUA BLUE SPORT)

Miguel Angel LOPEZ (COL/ASTANA) and Alberto CONTADOR (ESP/TREK - SEGAFREDO) attacked the GC group with 5.5 km to go

Miguel Angel LOPEZ (COL/ASTANA) and Alberto CONTADOR (ESP/TREK - SEGAFREDO) putting in some distance

Alberto CONTADOR (ESP/TREK - SEGAFREDO) powering through a steep section

Alberto CONTADOR (ESP/TREK - SEGAFREDO) drops Miguel Angel LOPEZ (COL/ASTANA) with 5 km to go

Stefan DENIFL (AUT/AQUA BLUE SPORT) at the front after being in the early break

Stefan DENIFL (AUT/AQUA BLUE SPORT)

1 km to go: Stefan DENIFL (AUT/AQUA BLUE SPORT) is the lone break survivor

Alberto CONTADOR VELASCO (ESP/TREK - SEGAFREDO) cheered on by the Spanish crowd

Alberto CONTADOR VELASCO (ESP/TREK - SEGAFREDO) wasn't able to bring back Stefan DENIFL


Christopher FROOME (GBR/SKY) clinging for dear life on the steep finish losing time but not the overall lead


Nicolas Roche

Second bad day in a row for Esteban CHAVES (ORICA - SCOTT) who has aged at this year's Vuelta



Stefan DENIFL (AUT/AQUA BLUE SPORT) finishing off a great win for one of the smaller teams

Alberto CONTADOR VELASCO (ESP/TREK - SEGAFREDO)

Alberto CONTADOR VELASCO (ESP/TREK - SEGAFREDO)

Alberto CONTADOR VELASCO (ESP/TREK - SEGAFREDO)

The GC group less Chris Froome led by 4th Vincenzo NIBALI (ITA/BAHRAIN - MERIDA) 5 Ilnur ZAKARIN (RUS/KATUSHA ALPECIN) + 1:04

Rafal MAJKA (POL/BORA - HANSGROHE) and Miguel Angel LOPEZ MORENO (COL/ASTANA)

Daniel MORENO (ESP/MOVISTAR)

9th Wilco KELDERMAN (NED/SUNWEB) + 1:19

Christopher FROOME (GBR/SKY)


Break survivor Stefan DENIFL (AUT/AQUA BLUE SPORT) wins Stage 17

Stefan DENIFL (AUT/AQUA BLUE SPORT)

Stefan DENIFL (AUT/AQUA BLUE SPORT)

Stefan DENIFL (AUT/AQUA BLUE SPORT). More Vuelta a Espana paintings from Sam Smith

2nd Alberto CONTADOR VELASCO (ESP/TREK - SEGAFREDO) + 28s

Alberto CONTADOR VELASCO (ESP/TREK - SEGAFREDO)

3rd Miguel Angel LOPEZ MORENO (COL/ASTANA) + 1:04

4th Vincenzo NIBALI (ITA/BAHRAIN - MERIDA) 5 Ilnur ZAKARIN (RUS/KATUSHA ALPECIN) + 1:04

6th Rafal MAJKA (POL/BORA - HANSGROHE) + 1:05

7th Michael WOODS (CAN/CANNONDALE DRAPAC) + 1:13

8th Daniel MORENO (ESP/MOVISTAR) + 1:17

9th Wilco KELDERMAN (NED/SUNWEB) + 1:19

13th Mikel NIEVE ITURRALDE (ESP/SKY) + 1:46 and race leader 14th Christopher FROOME (GBR/SKY)

20th Romain BARDET (FRA/AG2R LA MONDIALE) + 2:14

17:34:35 sander armee lotto soudal 173435_7R9A9573.jpg

42nd Adam YATES (ORICA - SCOTT) + 5:52 and 43rd Esteban CHAVES (ORICA - SCOTT)

17:41:24 174124_DSC_7157.jpg

Alberto CONTADOR VELASCO (ESP/TREK - SEGAFREDO) post-race interview

Alberto CONTADOR VELASCO (ESP/TREK - SEGAFREDO) enjoying his final days of racing and not upset about narrowly missing out on a stage win

Your stage 17 winner, Stefan DENIFL (AUT/AQUA BLUE SPORT)

Best pro win and first Grand Tour win by 27 year old Stefan DENIFL (AUT/AQUA BLUE SPORT)

Team Sky won the team award today

Alberto CONTADOR VELASCO (ESP/TREK - SEGAFREDO)

miguel angel "superman" lopez (col/astana) 3rd and young rider leader.

More riders







Christopher FROOME (GBR/SKY) who had his race lead trimmed by 42s to 1:16


Lachlan MORTON (DIMENSION DATA) hasn't been a factor in his first Grand Tour

Stage 18:  Suances → Santo Toribio de Liébana, 169 km  Full Results and Report


Albrerto Contador on stage during the Start 18 sign-in in Suances















The two lone riders from the larger break, Sander ARMEE (BEL/LOTTO SOUDAL) and Alexey LUTSENKO (KAZ/ASTANA) on the finishing climb

Sander ARMEE (BEL/LOTTO SOUDAL) dropping Alexey LUTSENKO (KAZ/ASTANA)






Sander ARMEE (BEL/LOTTO SOUDAL) wins Stage 18 for his first pro win

2nd Alexey LUTSENKO (KAZ/ASTANA) + 31s

3rd Giovanni VISCONTI (ITA/BAHRAIN - MERIDA) + 46s

4th Alexis GOUGEARD (FRA/AG2R LA MONDIALE) + 1:02

Almost 10 minutes later, Fabio ARU (ITA/ASTANA) leads in the GC group

20th Fabio ARU (ITA/ASTANA) + 9:56 checks his gap

Christopher FROOME (GBR/SKY) attacks the GC in the final km


Only Alberto CONTADOR VELASCO (ESP/TREK - SEGAFREDO) and Michael WOODS (CAN/CANNONDALE DRAPAC) where able to follow Froome

21st Alberto CONTADOR VELASCO (ESP/TREK - SEGAFREDO) + 10:08 puts in one last dig to finish ahead of Chris FROOME (SKY). More Vuelta a Espana paintings from Sam Smith

Your Stage 21 winner, Sander ARMEE (BEL/LOTTO SOUDAL)

Sander ARMEE (BEL/LOTTO SOUDAL)

Gruppetto

Christopher FROOME (GBR/SKY) now leads Vincenzo NIBALI by 1:37


Stage 19:  Caso → Gijon, 150 km  Full Results and Report





More Vuelta a Espana paintings from Sam Smith




Another Contador attack











Bunch sprint from the break in Gijon

The break easily succeeds and Thomas DE GENDT (BEL/LOTTO SOUDAL) wins the bunch sprint ahead of 2nd Jarlinson PANTANO GOMEZ (COL/TREK - SEGAFREDO), 3rd Ivan GARCIA CORTINA (ESP/BAHRAIN - MERIDA), 4th Rui Alberto FARIA DA COSTA (POR/UAE TEAM EMIRATES)

More Vuelta a Espana paintings from Sam Smith



Matteo TRENTIN (QUICK - STEP FLOORS) was denied another win







Your stage 19 winner, Thomas DE GENDT (BEL/LOTTO SOUDAL), with his new Asturias hat

Chris Froome is confident going into the final mountain stage, but he expects attacks right from the gun

Stage 20:  Corvera → Angliru, 118 km  Full Results and Report


The morning of... Alberto Contador contemplating his final chance to go out with a stage win


Alberto CONTADOR VELASCO (ESP/TREK - SEGAFREDO) attacked off the peloton before the base of Alto de l'Angliru joined his teammate Jarlinson PANTANO. More Vuelta a Espana paintings from Sam Smith

The heir-apparent Enric MAS NICOLAU (ESP/QUICK - STEP FLOORS) leading out Alberto CONTADOR VELASCO (ESP/TREK - SEGAFREDO) at the base of the Angliru

Alberto CONTADOR VELASCO (ESP/TREK - SEGAFREDO) out of the saddle and about to shed riders


Marc Soler (MOVISTAR) was the last rider to keep pace with Alberto CONTADOR VELASCO (ESP/TREK - SEGAFREDO)

Marc Soler (MOVISTAR) helping out Alberto Contador?

All in for Spain at this point

Vincenzo NIBALI (ITA/BAHRAIN - MERIDA) wasn't able to drop Chris FROOME (SKY) in fact the reverse happened

Alberto CONTADOR VELASCO (ESP/TREK - SEGAFREDO) going solo from a long way out much to the delight of the crowd

Alberto CONTADOR VELASCO (ESP/TREK - SEGAFREDO) dancing through the well-policed crowd

Alberto CONTADOR VELASCO (ESP/TREK - SEGAFREDO) stayed away and hit the downhill run to the line with a 20s advantage



Christopher FROOME (GBR/SKY) chasing to try and set up a win for his domestique Wout POELS (NED/SKY)


4th Ilnur ZAKARIN (RUS/KATUSHA ALPECIN) + 35 to claim the final podium spot

Last 100m for Alberto CONTADOR VELASCO (ESP/TREK - SEGAFREDO)

Vincenzo NIBALI (ITA/BAHRAIN - MERIDA) didn't show anything today and hung on to 2nd overall

6th Vincenzo NIBALI (ITA/BAHRAIN - MERIDA) + 51s for 2nd overall




El Pistolero one final time. "If you have to fire your last bullet -do it like this guy" - @MRasmussen1974

Alberto CONTADOR VELASCO (ESP/TREK - SEGAFREDO) wins Angliru



8th Wilco KELDERMAN (NED/SUNWEB) + 1:11 lost his podium position

2nd Wout POELS (NED/SKY) + 17s and 3rd Christopher FROOME (GBR/SKY)

Christopher FROOME (GBR/SKY) will win the 2017 Vuelta




14th Tejay VAN GARDEREN (USA/BMC RACING) + 3:43 to claim the final top 10 spot on GC

10 Michael WOODS (CAN/CANNONDALE DRAPAC) + 1:36 for 7th overall

It has been a tough final week for Esteban CHAVES RUBIO (COL/ORICA - SCOTT), 21st today + 4:48

16th Miguel Angel LOPEZ MORENO (COL/ASTANA) followed by 17th Enric MAS NICOLAU (ESP/QUICK - STEP FLOORS) who was with Contador at the base of the final climb and 18th Marc SOLER GIMENEZ (ESP/MOVISTAR)

22nd Luis Angel MATE (ESP/COFIDIS, SOLUTIONS CREDITS) + 4:54


27th Nicolas ROCHE (IRL/BMC RACING) + 7:05

4th Ilnur ZAKARIN (RUS/KATUSHA ALPECIN) + 35 to claim the final podium spot

Ilnur ZAKARIN (RUS/KATUSHA ALPECIN) and his team where happy to claim the final podium spot

30th Pawel POLJANSKI (POL/BORA - HANSGROHE) + 7:33 and 31st Rafal MAJKA (POL/BORA - HANSGROHE)

Wilco KELDERMAN (NED/SUNWEB) dropped from 3rd to 5th on GC

The Stage 18 winner, Stefan DENIFL (AQUA BLUE SPORT) was 33rd + 8:19

10 Michael WOODS (CAN/CANNONDALE DRAPAC) + 1:36 for 7th overall

Rafal MAJKA (POL/BORA - HANSGROHE)

Alberto CONTADOR: I had to say goodbye this way


Alberto CONTADOR getting emotional

What a way to go out





60th Fabio ARU (ASTANA) + 15:07 to drop to 13th overall

Contador and Froome congratulate each other







He clinched his 1st Vuelta on Angliru & today his final win


New Asturias hat

Looks good

He's not so sure

Ball cap back on

Most aggressive rider, Enric MAS NICOLAU (ESP/QUICK - STEP FLOORS). Contador says Enric Mas is Spain's 'next big thing'velonews

Chris FROOME (SKY) will also win the points and combined competition

Ironically, KOM leader Davide VILLELLA was near the back just coming in now

Tomorrow Chris FROOME (SKY) will be your 2017 Vuelta a Espana winner after three 2nd places. The first to win the Tour and Vuelta in the same year since the 1978.

Lotto NL jumbo on the teams prize

Best young rider, Miguel Angel Lopez (Astana)


David Villela arrives in time for his KoM jersey



Jarlinson pantano and teammates give Alberto some friendly abuse as their car passes on the descent

Stage 21:  Arroyomolinos → Madrid, 118 km  Full Results and Report



Contador toasting his final day of racing

Alberto Contador enters Madrid off the front

Madrid city hall




Race winner, Chris FROOME (SKY)


Circuits in Madrid




A small ineffectual break led by Alessandro DE MARCHI (BMC)

Alberto CONTADOR VELASCO (ESP/TREK - SEGAFREDO) on the finishing circuits


Quick Step setting up the sprint finish

Sprint finish at dusk


Matteo TRENTIN (ITA/QUICK - STEP FLOORS) wins the final stage, his fourth of this year's Vuelta. 2nd Lorrenzo MANZIN (FRA/FDJ), 3rd Søren KRAGH ANDERSEN (DEN/SUNWEB), 4th Tom VAN ASBROECK (BEL/CANNONDALE DRAPAC)

Chris Froome finished 11th to win the Green Jersey, denying Trentin the Green Jersey by 2 points

Contador literally rides off into the sunset. Alberto Contador celebrates with a career victory lap much to the delight off the Spanish crowd.

Your stage 21 winner, Matteo TRENTIN (ITA/QUICK - STEP FLOORS), his fourth of this year's Vuelta

He thought it was joke that he won four sprint stages but not the Green Jersey

Astana celebrates the team award by 6:16 over Movistar

8th overall + 8:59 and best young rider, Miguel Angel LOPEZ(COL/ASTANA)

Awarded super combative rider, Alberto CONTADOR VELASCO (ESP/TREK - SEGAFREDO)




Alberto CONTADOR VELASCO (ESP/TREK - SEGAFREDO) has received a career award




KOM winner, Davide VILLELLA (CANNONDALE DRAPAC)

Green Jersey winner, Chris FROOME (SKY) denying Matteo Trentin the Green Jersey by 2 points after finishing 11th in the sprint

Your 2017 Vuelta a Espana winner, Chris FROOME (SKY)





Special award to Chris FROOME (SKY) for being the first to do the Tour-Vuelta double since 1978

Your 2017 Vuelta a Espana podium

2nd Vincenzo NIBALI (ITA/BAHRAIN - MERIDA) + 2:15

Your 2017 Vuelta a Espana GC podium: 2nd Vincenzo NIBALI (ITA/BAHRAIN - MERIDA) + 2:15, 1st Christopher FROOME (GBR/SKY) 82:30:02 and 3rd Ilnur ZAKARIN (RUS/KATUSHA ALPECIN) + 2:51