Alberto Contador virtually secured his first grand tour victory since 2012 when he won today's big mountain stage of the Vuelta a Espana. The overall win carries extra significance for the Spaniard as it proves that he is back to his best after a difficult 2013.

Going into the penultimate stage of the Vuelta a Espana, all was set for one of the biggest battles between in recent grand tour history, with Chris Froome planning to launch a big attack on race leader Alberto Contador. The stage fully lived up to expectations and when the dust had settled after the memorable stage, Contador had proved that he is the strongest rider and a deserved winner of the race.

However, Contador came under a lot of pressure as Froome launched repeated accelerations in a quest to shake off his rival. At one point, he was clearly in difficulty, losing a few metres, but the Tinkoff-Saxo rider gauged his effort perfectly and managed to rejoin the Brit before launching a powerful attack in the finale.

"It’s very motivating to try and beat a rider of this caliber," he said. "Considering the record book he’s got and the rhythm at which he’s able to ride, it’s encouraging to be able to challenge him. You always like to win against the world’s best riders. Truly, it’s motivating to win when it’s difficult.

"It’s very motivating because he’s the point of reference of world’s cycling. To be with him and to be able to beat him brings an extra motivation. Once next year will start, we’ll start everything from scratch again.

"It wasn’t easy. Sometimes you think you lack rhythm or strength and the pace changes again. That’s when you have to know that you can react. You have to resist. 

"This season has been a challenge. When I was asked if the Tour de France was my goal, I answered the whole season was my goal. I managed to finish all my races in first or second position, minus the ones where I fell. It’s been a tremendous season.

"It was a challenge for me to return to the highest level. Last year it seemed that my best years were behind me. I knew that I had many circumstances that prevented me from reaching my best level in 2013. It helped me to increase my motivation to work at the millimeter. I’ve never worked so hard. I remain frustrated to not know what I could have done at the Tour but the rest of the season has been incredible.

"The most special for me was in 2012 when I won at Fuente Dé but for the level of the riders, this is my best Vuelta."

Contador also reiterated that he won't do the Worlds.

"No, no, no. The truth is no. As I said I took my decision. I told the coach. He included me in his pre-selection but it doesn’t change anything. Other riders will make the team and deliver a good race. The Spanish is a favorite for getting a medal. I think my colleagues will do a great job."

"We knew that Sky wanted to control things to stir things up and to try to shake Alberto," sports director Steven De Jongh said. "However, everyone else but Alberto was dropped and I think Alberto played his cards excellently. He never lost his cool and had the situation totally under control. In the final kilometer, he went for the stage win and in one fierce attack, he quickly created the gap and took a beautiful victory consolidating his lead.

"Of course, the race isn't won just yet. There's a time trial tomorrow and even though it's short, you can't rule out accidents. Now, we're waiting for the weather report and we're going out tomorrow morning to check out the technical spots on the course."