Froome’s winning time was 82 hours, 30 minutes and two seconds and within minutes of the finish the delighted 32-year-old was quick to tweet a photograph of himself eating pizza with the caption, “Job done!”. The four-time Tour de France winner will add another chapter to a storied career by becoming the first Briton to win the Vuelta and only the third man ever to win it in the same year as triumphing in France, as long as he finishes the final sprint stage in Madrid. He equals the feat of legendary riders Jacques Anquetil (1963) and Bernard Hinault (1978) in completing the Tour-Vuelta double - the previous doubles were done when the Spanish race was held in the spring with the Tour following in July. Froome wins three jerseys

Media playback is not supported on this device Chicken nuggets & paddling pools - why Froome is so amazing

As well as winning the red jersey for the overall victory, Froome also claimed the green points jersey and white combined jersey at the 72nd edition of the three-week race. Contador given lap of honour

Contador said he was going to enjoy his final day in a Grand Tour and he was allowed to celebrate with his fans

The retiring Alberto Contador, a three-time winner of the Vuelta, was allowed to break clear of the peloton and ride into Madrid on his own to take the plaudits of the thousands of spectators lining the route.
The general classification of the 72nd edition of the Vuelta a España is won for the first time by British cyclist Chris Froome from Team Sky, ahead of Vincenzo Nibali of Bahrain-Merida Pro Cycling Team.