Alberto Contador on podium, Vuelta a Espana 2012, stage 20

The final stage of the Vuelta saw John Degenkolb win his fifth stage in Madrid, but there was no change overall and Alberto Contador (Saxo Bank Tinkoff) ran out the overall winner of a tumultuous Vuelta.

The final (ten) 4.3 kilometre laps of honour for the 175 riders left in a super-mountainous Vuelta were enlivened by a six rider break - take a bow the irrepressible Kevin Seeldraeyers (is the Astana rider looking for a contract?) Mikel Astarloza (Euskaltel), Serguy Lagutin (Vacansoleil), Javier Chacon, Sergio Carrasco (both Andalucia) with Javier Aramendia the inevitable Caja Rural escapee.

Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access

Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription

Join now for unlimited access

Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

Founded in 1891, Cycling Weekly and its team of expert journalists brings cyclists in-depth reviews, extensive coverage of both professional and domestic racing, as well as fitness advice and 'brew a cuppa and put your feet up' features. Cycling Weekly serves its audience across a range of platforms, from good old-fashioned print to online journalism, and video.