Alberto Contador has won the Vuelta a Espana title for the second time after he held off the challenge of Alejandro Valverde in the final stage between Cercedilla and Madrid.

Ireland’s Nicolas Roche has defended his decision to move to a team run by one of the sport’s most notorious dopers during his own career.

Bradley Wiggins last night became the most decorated British Olympian in history after he claimed a sensational gold medal in the elite men’s time-trial.