A gruelling 2013 Vuelta a Espana concludes today with a 109.6km stage from the city of Leganés to the centre of Madrid. It is a rather featureless day suited to the sprinters, but how often have people stated that before this Vuelta. Join us for live updates from 12.00am AEST.
There should be few excuses for one of sprinters to not claim the victory in Stage 21, with the stage designed to favour them.
There are no climbs to mention, the weather should be rather fine and sunny with temperatures around 30-degrees celsius, and the race finishes with a straight forward circuit.
Whilst there are areas where crosswinds could threaten, the wind is predicted to be quite pleasant.
Beginning in Leganés the stage shall follow a similar suit to the Tour de France and travel through some of the countryside and cities which form the Commune of Madrid.
Before the stage then turns and heads towards Madrid proper. There are two intermediate sprints to contest along the way, however, the Points Classification (Green Jersey) has already been claimed by Alejandro Valverde, barring some freak results.
When the peloton reach Madrid they shall commence a nine lap finishing circuit of 5.7 kilometres.
The circuit around the streets of Madrid should be rather uncomplicated, with several kilometres of near-on perfectly straight road.
There are three evenly spread out 180-degree hairpin bends for the riders to navigate, with the third bend coming just a kilometre from the finishing line.
With Lampre-Merida still missing a stage victory, and their Argentine sprinter Richeze threatening to better his podium results, I expect the Italian team to fight hard for the victory.
Argos-Shimano will be high on confidence thanks to Warren Barguil, and the Dutch team arguably have the best, if inexperienced, lead-out train here.
Orica-GreenEDGE will be in a difficult situation, they have few riders left to support their sprinters, but Michael Matthews and Leigh Howard could perhaps piggyback off the work of the other teams.
Team Sky may go ‘all in’ in an attempt to help Edvald Boasson Hagen finally claim that elusive Vuelta stage victory.
With the likes of Tyler Farrar, Gianni Meersman, and Adrien Petit likely to be there or thereabouts as well.
Prepare your celebrations as we bid farewell to an exciting 2013 Vuelta a Espana. Remember to join us from 12.00am AEST for live updates.
Matthew Boulden
Roar Guru
With, from an Australian point of view, the delight of seeing young Australian sprinter Michael Matthews claim the stage honours in the Stage 21 finale. Adios!
Matthew Boulden
Roar Guru
Thank you for joining myself and The Roar's other contributors for an exciting 2013 Vuelta a Espana, where the result went right down to the penultimate stage. With, almost 42 year old, Christopher Horner of Radioshack-Leopard becoming one of the oldest cyclists to complete a Grand Tour and the oldest to ever win a Grand Tour to date. Be sure to tune in to The Roar for more cycling coverage as the events happen and opinion articles from the Experts and the community at large.
Matthew Boulden
Roar Guru
However, I do believe that the Points Classification (Green Jersey) was won by Alejandro Valverde. With the Team Classification won by Euskaltel-Euskadi in their final Grand Tour as a team.
Matthew Boulden
Roar Guru
Unfortunately that is the end of Eurosport's coverage of the 2013 Vuelta a Espana, with the Grand Prix Cycliste de Montreal live within an hour. Where you can watch the likes of Richie Porte and Cadel Evans fight for the victory after missing out in the Grand Prix Cycliste de Qubec.
Matthew Boulden
Roar Guru
Nicolas Edet of Team Cofidis comes on to the stage to gleefully receive the "King of the Mountains" jersey (blue polka dot jersey).
Matthew Boulden
Roar Guru
Chris Horner is now back on the stage to receive the White Jersey for the "Combination" classification. As the best placed rider over all four classifications. He wins this competition ahead of Vincenzo Nibali and Alejandro Valverde.
Matthew Boulden
Roar Guru
Here comes Christopher Horner of Radioshack-Leopard to receive his awards for winning the General Classification in the 2013 Vuelta a Espana.
Matthew Boulden
Roar Guru
It would appear Michael Matthews recieved another award as well. Not sure which one, but possibly the stage "Combativity" award.
Matthew Boulden
Roar Guru
The presentations for the race classifications and awards have began. Michael Matthews is currently receiving his plaudits for winning the final stage of the 2013 Vuelta a Espana.
Matthew Boulden
Roar Guru
So Chris Horner of Radioshack-Leopard officially wins the 2013 Vuelta a Espana ahead of Vincenzo Nibali of Team Astana and Alejandro Valverde of Team Movistar.
Matthew Boulden
Roar Guru
Two stage victories in a maiden Grand Tour is one amazing feat for 22 year old Michael Matthews.
Matthew Boulden
Roar Guru
So despite only finishing the 2013 Vuelta a Espana with four cyclists, including Michael Matthews, Australian outfit Orica-GreenEDGE have managed to end la Vuelta a Espana on a high.
Matthew Boulden
Roar Guru
Stage 21 of the 2013 Vuelta a Espana won by Michael Matthews of Orica-GreenEDGE, defeating Tyler Farrar of Garmin-Sharp and Nikias Arndt of Argos-Shimano. Omega Pharma - Quick-Step's Gianni Meersman closed out the stage in fourth position.
Matthew Boulden
Roar Guru
Argos-Shimano with the strongest lead-out train in the final kilometre. However, Australia's Michael Matthews was the strongest sprinter on the day! He wins by a bike length over Tyler Farrar.
Matthew Boulden
Roar Guru
Orica-GreenEDGE claim the Stage 21 victory with Michael Matthews!
Matthew Boulden
Roar Guru
Orica-GreenEDGE wind up for the sprint finish.
Matthew Boulden
Roar Guru
Argos-Shimano have taken control within the final kilometre!
Matthew Boulden
Roar Guru
All the sprinters and their teams are present, with lead-out trains galore!
Matthew Boulden
Roar Guru
Here come Team Sky and Orica-GreenEDGE! With the Hairpin beckoning. Who will get the best position coming out of it?
Matthew Boulden
Roar Guru
Lampre-Merida now come to the fore of the peloton to chase down our new lone escapee.