King of the road Froome seals Tour-vuelta double

Chris Froome paraded into Madrid yesterday to become the first Briton to win La Vuelta title and secure the elusive Tour de France-vuelta double, while Spanish great Alberto Contador celebrated the end of his remarkable career in front of his home crowd.

Froome had virtually secured victory with a solid performance on the brutal climb up the Alto de l’angliru on Saturday, which marked the last competitive stage of the three-week race.

“It’s just incredible,” Froome said. “I’m still coming to terms with everything. It’s been such an incredible journey.”

Riders cruised to the finish in yesterday’s 21st stage, with the general classification leaders not challenging each other, as per cycling tradition.

Italian Matteo Trentin won the final sprint to clinch his fourth stage victory in this year’s Vuelta.

Froome, who earlier this year clinched his fourth Tour de France title, had finished runner-up in La Vuelta three times, including last year.

The Team Sky rider became the third man to complete the Tour-vuelta double in the same season, after Jacques Anquetil in 1963 and Bernard Hinault in 1978, when the Vuelta was still held in the spring before the Tour.

“Just the fact that nobody’s ever won the Tour and then La Vuelta afterwards, it’s incredible to be able to do it,” said Froome.

“It’s just been an amazing few months and I want to thank everyone who has contributed to that. I’ve been fighting for this victory for six years and three years I’ve been standing on the second step so it’s amazing to stand on the first step

0 Chris Froome celebrates his historic Vuelta a Espana victory in Madrid following the final stage of the race. this time.” Froome won two Vuelta stages this year, finishing two minutes, 15 seconds in front of Italian Vincenzo Nibali of Team Bahrain-merida, who won the Vuelta in 2010 and was runner-up in 2013.

Russian Ilnur Zakarin of Team Katusha Alpecin, secured the final podium spot, almost three minutes behind Froome.

Froome also won the points competition, while Astana Pro Team won the overall team event.

Contador, the three-time Vuelta winner, ended his career on a high note by winning Saturday’s testing 20th stage. He was loudly cheered

CHRIS FROOME by Spanish fans as he arrived to cross the finish line one last time.

The rest of the riders allowed him to break from the peloton and ride a few moments by himself as the fans applauded. After the race, Contador took a Spanish flag and went for one final parade lap.

“It was very special to get to lead all the riders into Madrid,” Contador said. “It was an incredible finish. I dreamed about ending my career this way.”

The 34-year-old Contador had been out of contention for the Vuelta title after losing several minutes in a poor performance in the second stage. He made up time later in the race, but not enough to make it to the podium and eventually finished fifth, more than three minutes off the lead.

Considered one of Spain’s greatest riders, Contador also won the Tour de France twice and the Giro d’italia twice. He was stripped of a third Tour victory for doping.

“It’s a dream. I can’t imagine a better goodbye than this,” he said. “Now is the moment to stop. When I started as a professional, I said I wanted to finish at the top level. And I think that now is the perfect moment for this. In the last 15 years, I did everything with my heart.”

“I’ve been fighting for this victory for six years and three years I’ve been standing on the second step so it’s amazing to stand on the first step this time”

Kinlochshiel opened up a one-point lead at the top of the Marine Harvest Premiership following their 2-2 draw with Newtonmore at The Eilan.

Glen Mackintosh for More and a bizarre Andy Mackintosh own goal had the sides level at halftime. Fraser Mackintosh restored Newtonmore’s lead but Keith Macrae equalised 15 minutes from time.

Title rivals Kyles Athletic lost 2-1 against Lovat at Balgate. Roddy Macdonald gave Kyles the lead but Greg Matheson levelled. Macdonald was then sent off before Matheson’s late winner.

David Smart’s lastminute goal denied Glasgow Mid Argyll both points in a 2-2 draw with Glenurquhart, while Kingussie beat Oban Camanachd 4-3.

Skyecamanachdwonthe Marine Harvest National Division title with a 2-0 win over Caberfeidh.