Spanish rider Cobo seals narrow Vuelta victory in Madrid

Spain's Juan José Cobo was celebrating victory in the 2011 Vuelta a España, the biggest win of his career so far, in Madrid on Sunday. The 30-year-old Geox rider negotiated the final stage between the Circuito del Jarama and the capital without difficulties to maintain his 13-second lead over Britain's Chris Froome of Team Sky at the finish line. Froome's teammate and fellow countryman Bradley Wiggins completed the podium line-up in third.

The final sprint of the 95.6-kilometer stage was won by Slovakian Peter Sagan of Liquigas, his third victory in this year's Vuelta.

Cobo's triumph is a result few could have imagined when the Cantabrian began the race three weeks ago in Benidorm. He had considered giving up the sport in a moment of depression just a few months ago. But despite starting out as a helper to Denis Menchov and Carlos Sastre, he has been the strongest, watching the favorites come undone bit by bit - first Igor Antón, then Michele Scarponi, then "Purito" Rodríguez, and later Vincenzo Nibali and Wiggins.

Even Cobo himself struggled to believe victory was his, remaining prudent and fearful that Froome might close the gap until the finish line.

"Now, freed from the tension I can breath easy and feel like the winner of the Vuelta," Cobo said.