If Alberto Contador has anything left
to get his home tour back today is his last chance.



Surprisingly on a clear breakaway day, riders are strugling to get away.



At the first of two sprint points we do get a group.



But they are pulled back, so the attacks start over again.



And finally halfway through the race 6 riders are
able to create the morning breakaway.



They create a nice gap as we head towards the final climb of Vuelta. Neither Saxo Bank or Leopard are chasing.



And here we go! Frank Schleck puts the pressure on Contador right away.



Now halfway up the climb Frank is gone,
Contador has yet to show his hand or even send men to chase.



Now 1km to go to the top,
Contador is running out of time (If he hasn't already).



They reach the top! Contador doesn't attack!
He is still exhusted after what happen yesturday.



One key split does happen on the climb,
but Andy and Contador are together!



However it's Frank Schleck that is now creating all the buzz.
He is 5 minutes up the road, winning the Vuelta!



With 10kms to go the gap is the same.
Frank Schleck could easily win the Vuelta ...



But knowing how much this meant to his younger brother,
he slows up and drops the gap to 1'30'' with a kilometer to go.



He takes the stage and 2nd overall away from Contador. But the bigger statement is Frank gave up the Vuelta to let Andy complete his Quest For History! A true family affair for the Schlecks.



The sprint for 2nd is between Anton and Andy.
Contador can't even keep up. He is truly broken.



Igor spoils the stage double for the Schlecks. But the Vuelta double is 1 stage away. The record book is waiting to be rewritten!

Stage

GC

It's finally over, the 2011 Vuelta a Espana. And as some would say,"The best action in a grand tour ... Ever!" After countless battles between Andy Schleck and Alberto Contador, today we are able to say we have the True Champion.



Andy Schleck now only wins the Vuelta, but also becomes the third man to also win the sprint and KoM competition. And if that isn't enough for the Schleck family, big brother Frank gets to stand next to him on the podium. Contador, the home croud favourite, falls apart in the final week to lose his home tour to finish in 3rd. Truly a Vuelta that will never be forgotten.

(Special Thanks to Whitejersey)