Ireland’s Nicolas Roche closed on Chris Froome yesterday, moving joint second in the general classification of the Vuelta a Espana.

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) have joined the International Cycling Union (UCI) in appealing against the acquittal of three-time Tour de France winner Alberto Contador following a positive test for a banned substance.

Alberto Contador was crowned winner of the Vuelta a Murcia today in only his second race back since being cleared by the Royal Spanish Cycling Federation of doping charges.