Chris Froome fends off Alberto Contador to stay second

Chris Froome clawed back a late attack led by Alberto Contador to retain second place in the overall standings after stage 17 of the Vuelta a Espana yesterday.

Froome was initially left trailing by the charge led by Contador (Tinkoff) and also including race leader Nairo Quintana (Movistar) and fellow Colombian Esteban Chaves (Orica), who started the day in third place.

But Froome soon managed to rejoin his main challengers and the four top riders in the standings crossed the line together, three minutes and 27 seconds behind stage winner Matthias Frank.