Alberto Contador desperately tried to distance Chris Froome in today's stage of the Vuelta a Espana but as he was unable to drop Alejandro Valverde and Joaquim Rodriguez, he was constantly forced to slow down again. The Spaniard lamented the lack of cooperation that had seen him miss a big opportunity.

Alberto Contador was clearly very focused on Chris Froome in today's stage of the Vuelta a Espana and he desperately tried to attack to distance his British rival. However, the presence of Joaquim Rodriguez and Alejandro Valverde made it impossible for him to go full gas.

Contador was frustrated to have missed an opportunity and ventured his frustration over Rodriguez's tactics.

“We’ve missed an opportunity to distance Chris Froome," he said. "Had I been alone, I would have made a difference but I also had to Alejandro Valverde and Purito. I spoke with Valverde but we also had to deal with Purito’s changes of rhythm. We’ve never ridden uphill at a steady pace.

"However, I feel the victory closer and closer. I’ll keep living it day by day. My advantage is really tight, notably over Valverde. Everything can change in a single stage but my legs are getting better and better. I’m very satisfied with my shape. La Farrapona tomorrow and Puerto de Ancares on Saturday are the two key stages but I’m confident.”

"We all witnessed a very strong and motivated Alberto in a great effort to not only defend but also attack his nearest rivals in the GC," sports director Tristan Hoffman said. "At the end of the day he actually lost time to Valverde and Rodriguez but he gained time on Froome. It was a difficult situation tactically but I think he managed the situation very well. Tomorrow, there's another big day in the mountains and we''ll do everything we can to maintain the lead".