Team Saxo Bank-Tinkoff Bank owner Bjarne Riis is finding himself in an increasingly tight spot as pressure for him to comment on the accusations made by Tyler Hamilton rises further in his home country of Denmark.

American National Champion Timmy Duggan and Russian Evgeny Petrov have agreed to deals of a respectively one year and two year duration with the Denmark-based team. Japanese Takashi Miyazawa has extended his existing contract for another year.

How soon before checkmate?

Earlier today it was announced that Danish rider Matti Breschel will return to Team Saxo Bank - Tinkoff Bank after an unsuccessful time with the Dutch Rabobank Team. Breschel has signed a two-year agreement with the team led by Bjarne Riis.

Team Saxo Bank - Tinkoff Bank has announced that Benjamin Noval, Jesus Hernandez and Rafal Majka have extended their contracts with the team.

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.

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.