Alberto Contador heading for Vuelta a Espana victory

Alberto Contador has held on to the red jersey and looks likely to claim victory in the Vuelta a Espana.

Joaquim Rodriguez and Alejandro Valverde both finished ahead of the SaxoBank rider in a gruelling mountain stage.

However, the Spaniard dug deep to retain a lead of 1m 14s over his rivals, which looks good enough to give him a second tour title.

Only a mechanical failure can deny Contador victory on the ride into Madrid tomorrow.

It is the first time that the 29-year-old has competed since his return from a two-year doping ban.

Team Sky's Chris Froome held onto fourth place in the overall standings.