Former Tour de France and Giro d'Italia winner Stephen Roche believes it would be "humanly impossible" for Chris Froome to win all three grand tour races in one year.

Chris Froome retained his advantage on stage 19 of La Vuelta as Belgian Thomas De Gendt won a sprint finish out of the breakaway to keep Spaniards waiting for a stage victory in their home race.

Chris Froome survived a mechanical and a crash to keep hold of his red jersey but his lead at La Vuelta was cut to 59 seconds.

Tomasz Marczynski took the honours on stage six of La Vuelta as overall leader Chris Froome saw nearest challenger Tejay van Garderen slip down the standings.

DISGRACED British cyclist David Millar has admitted using EPO in the build-up to his victory in the World Championships last year. He won the world title in the time-trial with a near-faultless display in Hamilton, Canada.

Disgraced British cyclist David Millar has admitted using EPO in the build-up to his victory in the World Championships last year.