Cobo Wins La Vuelta

Last updated : 11 September 2011 By Kev Monks

Juan Jose Cobo won the Vuelta a España this afternoon in Madrid as Peter Sagan won the final stage.

The final 95.6km stage was a procession from the motor-racing circuit at the Circuito De Jamara to Madrid, where there was twelve laps of the Spanish capital city, which provided the venue for Coventry band The Specials opening night of their European tour last night.

The race which is a major boost for British cycling with Chris Froome finishing second and Bradley Wiggins third, Britain's best result ever in a Grand Tour, saw Horrach take the points at the first sprint of the day.

With 60kms to go, the action started with Horrach, Karuso and Benitez out in front. With none of the trio in a positon to affect the general classification, they were allowed to stay away.

Katusha's Joan Horach took the second sprint before the front three with dealt with by a peloton that saw Bradley Wiggins at the front with 10kms to go.

At speeds of 70kmh, the stage was being set up for a bunch sprint. Robert Wagner was at the front as they went through the flam rouge.

As they got to the line, Peter Sagan won just ahead of Benatti and Petacchi.in a time of 2hr 20 mins 

Bauke Mollema finished ninth to take the points classification whilst Wiggins came in 13th. A delighted Cobo came in with his fist in the air to take race overall with his Geox team taking the team award.

View COBO Juan...jpg in slide show

GC 1 Cobo, 2 Froome, 3 Wiggins, 13 Martin, 16 Roche, 128 Stannard = 167 riders completed the race.

 

Picture copyright of Tour Of Spain/ Yuzuru Sunada