Slovenian cyclist Primož Roglič, the 2-time defending champion, has retained his race leader's red jersey at the Vuelta a Espana after a tough stage in the mountains.

He finished 2nd today, just over a minute behind Italy's Damiano Caruso.

Today's 188 km Stage 9 featured four categorised climbs.

He now has a 28-second advantage in the overall standings ahead of Spain's Enric Mas.

Tomorrow is the first rest day of this year's Vuelta, which is the last of cycling's grand tours this year.

Foto: EPA
Foto: EPA