Vuelta a Espana: Spain fights it out on stage 15

But the real race was fought out between Spaniards Alberto Contador, Alejandro Valverde and Joaquim Rodriguez.

Tinkoff-Saxo rider Contador attacked time and again on the gruelling final ascent to Lagos de Covadonga.

But his compatriots refused to unite to get rid of Brit Chris Froome who was clearly struggling just metres behind.

Lampre-Merida rider Niemiec managed to hold off the trio to maintain the lead. He crossed the line in first place, five seconds ahead of the first of the three Spaniards.

Just behind, Valverde and Rodriguez battled it out to take second and third place respectively, while Contador finished a few seconds later.A gutsy ride by Froome saw him finish in sixth.

Contador retains the red jersey, while Froome managed to hang on to third place overall.

Source: EuroNews