Wiggins’ hopes fade on sparkling day for Cobo

CYCLING: Bradley Wiggins’ hopes of victory in the Vuelta a Espana suffered a major setback yesterday as the Briton lost the lead in the General Classification following an inspired ride by home favourite Juan Jose Cobo.

Cobo mounted a decisive late charge on the energy-sapping 144km ride from Aviles to a summit finish in Angliru, the Geox rider finishing in four hours, one minute and 55 seconds after breaking his rivals on the final steep climb up the Alto de l’Angliru.

Cobo trailed Wiggins by 55 seconds at the start of yesterday’s 15th stage but turned that into a 20-second advantage at the head of the GC with six stages remaining before the finish on Sunday.

Wiggins’ fellow Briton and Team Sky team-mate Christopher Froome moved into second place overall after finishing 48 seconds down on the winner.

Wiggins, who struggled as the final climb reduced many to walking pace, is 46 seconds off the pace in third place in the GC after finishing 1min 21secs down on Cobo, who also earned a 20-second time bonus for the stage win.