German John Degenkolb of Team Argos - Shimano triumphantly took his fifth stage victory in this year's Vuelta when he was first to cross the finish line in Madrid.

John Degenkolb powers to fifth stage victory in Madrid ahead of Elia Viviani and Daniele Bennati; Alberto Contador wins 2012 Vuelta a Espana ahead of Alejandro Valverde and Joaquim Rodriguez.

Team Katusha's Denis Menchov earlier today rode to victory in the penultimate stage of the 2012 Vuelta a Espana, which finished atop the feared Bola del Mundo, thereby proving that long breakaways can indeed pay off.

Denis Menchov climbs to victory in penultimate stage of 2012 Vuelta a Espana ahead of Richie Porte; Alberto Contador leads the Vuelta a Espana before tomorrow's final ride to Madrid.

Team BMC Racing's Philippe Gilbert rode to his second stage victory of this year's Vuelta a Espana at La Lastrilla in the outskirts of Segovia after a long uphill sprint finish.

Philippe Gilbert rides to stage victory for Team BMC Racing ahead of Alejandro Valverde of Team Movistar; Team Saxo Bank-Tinkoff Bank's Alberto Contador leads the Vuelta a Espana by 01:35 ahead of Valverde.

Team RadioShack-Nissan's Daniele Bennati earlier today sprinted to victory in stage 18 of the 2012 Vuelta a Espana beating Ben Swift of Team Sky Procycling and Team GreenEdge's Allan Davis with a convincing performance.

Team RadioShack-Nissan's Daniele Bennati sprints to stage victory in 2012 Vuelta a Espana ahead of Ben Swift of Team Sky Procycling; Team Saxo Bank-Tinkoff Bank's Alberto Contador maintains overall Vuelta a Espana lead ahead of Movistar's Alejandro Valverde.

Alberto Contador held on to his advantage after making an audacious break to win the 17th stage of the 2012 Vuelta a Espana earlier today and take the overall lead from Joaquin Rodriguez.

Alberto Contador blasts to stage victory in Vuelta a Espana and takes overall race lead from Joaquim Rodriguez.