Froome still in lead with time trial win

CHRIS Froome claimed his second stage win of the Vuelta a Espana to extend his overall race lead on Vincenzo Nibali to 1 minute 58 seconds, with victory in the individual time trial yesterday.

Froome beat out Wilco Kelderman and Nibali in a time of exactly 47min for the 40.2km 16th stage, from the Navarra motor racing circuit to Logrono.

“It’s an absolutely amazing feeling to extend my lead now and to be in this position,” Froome said.

“It’s a great position to be in now, it’s a good buffer, but the race isn’t over.”

The Briton, who is aiming to become only the third rider in history to win the Tour de France and Vuelta in the same year, now has just four competitive stages to defend his lead before Sunday’s traditional parade around Madrid.

However, Nibali’s impressive showing in finishing 57sec behind Froome on the day maintained his hopes of a second Vuelta win, with a series of strenuous climbs still to come.

Kelderman’s second place, just 29sec back on Froome, moved the Dutchman 27sec ahead of Russia’s Ilnur Zakarin into third overall.

Zakarin was fourth, with Alberto Contador moving up to fifth in the general classification in his final race before retirement with fifth on the stage.

“I’ve had a good time trial and the most important thing is I think I have good legs for what remains of the Vuelta,” Contador said.