Aru strikes decisive blow to Vuelta as Dumoulin runs of out gas

The destiny of the Vuelta de Espana (Tour of Spain) cycle race was decided on a dramatic Saturday's afternoon which saw penultimate stage of the three week long race take in four first category climbs.

Overnight leader, Tom Dumoulin, who had looked strong all race, ran out of steam in the penultimate climb of the day as he was left isolated against the attacks of Fabia Aru (Astana), who received excellent support from his teammate Mikel Landa.

Although the stage was eventually won by Ruben Plaza, who culminated a brave breakaway, the real drama was played out behind him, as Aru's team rode up the road, allowing him to bridge his way forward, while Dmoulin, who is not a specialist climber, paid for his spectacular efforts over the previous three weeks and ceded almost four minutes on the final climb.

Fate was especially cruel to the Dutch rider, who saw how Joaquin Rodriguez and Rafael Majka, two more specialist climbers, overtook him to deny the podium place he richly deserved and he will finally finish in sixth place.

Meanwhile Aru's 1.17 advantage over Rodriguez will assure him the win when the race finally finishes in Madrid on Sunday afternoon. Enditem