Chris Froome triumphs over Alberto Contador in Ruta del Sol

http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/feb/22/chris-froome-alberto-contador-ruta-del-sol

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Chris Froome claimed first blood in what promises to be another season-long battle with his rival Alberto Contador as the Team Sky rider won the Ruta del Sol in Spain.

The 2013 Tour de France winner went into the finale with a two-second cushion over the Spaniard after a show of strength on the climbs of Saturday’s stage four and safely negotiated the 168km final stage to Alhaurín de la Torre – won by Juan José Lobato – for a winning margin of only two seconds.

“So happy & relieved to have held onto this jersey today! Great start to the year.. thank you team 61RdS,” Froome tweeted alongside a picture of the race winner’s red jersey.

Tinkoff-Saxo’s Contador had led since the time trial on the opening day but Froome raced clear over the final kilometre of Saturday’s stage to make up a 27-second deficit and nose in front.