Rob HorganSPAIN’S Alberto Contador sealed victory at the Vuelta with an impressive performance in the final time trial stage in Santiago de Compostela.
The home rider lost 27 seconds to Britain’s Chris Froome on the final day but did enough to win the title by seventy seconds.
In wet conditions Contador had to avoid any mishaps to claim his third red jersey after extending his lead on Saturday’s penultimate stage.
Movistar’s Adriano Malori had the best of Sunday’s weather and won the stage from Jesse Sergent and Rohan Dennis.
Contador’s victory is made all the more impressive when you consider the 31-year-old broke his leg less than two months ago.
Similarly, Froome’s second place finish signals a quick return to form after the Brit broke his hand and wrist in a crash that ended his Tour de France defence.
Spain’s Alejandro Valverde claimed third place, with five of the top ten finishers coming from Spain – Joaquim Rodriguez (4th), Samuel Sanchez (6th), Daniel Navarro (10th).
General Classification
1. Alberto Contador (Spa/Tinkoff-Saxo) 81 hours 25 minutes 5 seconds
2. Chris Froome (GB/Team Sky) +1:10″
3. Alejandro Valverde (Spa/Movistar) +1:50″
4. Joaquim Rodriguez (Spa/Katusha) +3:25″
5. Fabio Aru (Ita/Astana) +4:48″
6. Samuel Sanchez (Spa/BMC Racing) +9:30″
7. Daniel Martin (Ire/Garmin) +10:38″
8. Warren Barguil (Fra/Giant) +11:50″
9. Damiano Caruso (Ita/Cannondale) +12:50″
10. Daniel Navarro (Spa/Cofidis) +13:02″
