Roglic on verge of back-to-back wins in Vuelta after holding off Carapaz

CYCLING: Primoz Roglic stands to win the Vuelta a Espana for a second consecutive year but was made to work for it as a late attack from second-placed Richard Carapaz halved his advantage and threatened to deliver heartbreak on the penultimate stage. Two months after Roglic’s dreams of Tour de France glory evaporated on the stage 20 time trial, he was in danger of seeing victory once again slip away at the final hurdle as Carapaz attacked on the Alto de La Covatilla. The Ecuadorian, who started the day 45 seconds down in second place, pulled clear around five kilometres from the end of the 178km stage from Sequeros and opened up an advantage of 29 seconds at one point, but could get no closer as Roglic recovered before the line.

‘I’m super happy and it’s a really nice way to finally finish the season,’ said the Slovenian (left). Ireland’s Dan Martin (Israel StartUp Nation) sits in fourth place overall as he failed to make any inroads into the top three, describing the stage as ‘one of the hardest races I’ve ever done. In the end the three guys in front were just better.’

Sprint specialist Sam Bennett finished the stage in 142nd place.

GOLF: England’s Matthew Jordan carded the joint lowest round of the day, while countryman Richard Bland was made to wait until the 18th hole as both men made it through to the final round of the Cyprus Showdown.

Only the top 16 and ties after round three advanced to the final 18 holes, with all scores then reset to par, and the trophy will go to the player who can shoot the lowest round today under the innovative format.

Jordan fired a 64 to finish seven under and ease his way into the final day alongside American Johannes Veerman but Bland needed a par on the last to make sure of his place. Northern Ireland’s Jonathan Caldwell made it through to the final round after shooting an eventful 67, including six birdies and two bogies.