Today's 170 kilometer fifth and final stage of this year's Vuelta a Andalucia Ruta Ciclista Del Sol from Montilla - Alhaurín de la Torre was won by Juan Jose Lobato (Movistar) who beat John Degenkolb (Team Giant-Alpecin) and IAM Cycling's Sylvain Chavanel in a tough sprint battle across the finish line.

 

Leader and eventual race winner Froome was well-protected in the windy stage from Montilla and eventually emerged from his position of safety when time came for the battle of the final kilometers.

 

Great Britain's Froome only needed to finish in the same time as general classification competitor Alberto Contador (Tinkoff-Saxo) to seal his first race victory of 2015, but managed to finish the day two places higher than the Spaniard and thus secured the early-season bragging rights.

 

"It wasn't as easy as I'd imagined and the racing was full on today. It was windy, but I'm really happy with how the guys performed out there – they supported me all the way through and I'm delighted to get this win for them. It's such a privilege to have that infrastructure behind me," Froome told Roadcycling.com when asked to explain how today's stage had unfolded.

 

"It couldn't have gone any better for us out here and this win is special because it is my first race of the season. That said, I still have a lot to build on as we head towards the Tour de France 2015. I want to stay on this path, staying healthy and injury-free, and gradually building my form," Froome added.

 

Contador told Roadcycling.com his current level of fitness had been a positive surprise to him. "I'm pleased with the progression of my shape. Actually, I'm a bit surprised to be at this level at this early time of the season. I'm not too far in my preparations, but I see my performances in the stage that I won and in the time trial as signs indicating that I'm ready to reach for my main season objectives," Contador explained.

 

"Two seconds separated me from the general classification win, but today there was little I could do to take back time on Froome. But the most important aspect is that my preparations for my main objectives are progressing as planned. It wouldn't have changed anything if I had won, as we still need to prepare for the next goals with the same level of focus no matter what."

 

Read Roadcycling.com's recent interview with Alberto Contador and gear up for the new season in our bike shop.