A tale of four climbers - Vuelta Stage 8

Valverde, Rodriguez, Froome and Contador. They are the four riders who have stamped their authority on this year's vuelta and it is just a matter of time before one of them is crowned the champion. But which one?

Valverde taking Stage 8

Stage 8 saw the Vuelta again live up to it's expectations with an explosive finish to an all round exciting day.

Australia's Cameron Meyer was aggressive as part of the lead group proving himself as an up and coming GC contender. His never say die attitude saw him pound away at the pedals even when faced with the great climbers surging behind him. Even when caught he hung on only dropping back within the last kilometer after his legs had declared enough for the day.

In what was a fast and furious race it really was the last kilometer of racing that brought the goods, what all loyal cycling fans had been waiting for - riders on the attack.

Perhaps it is the Vuelta's shorter stages and time bonuses inciting more aggressive riding, or perhaps the return of Contador, the eagerness of Valverde and the unleashing of the 'Froomedog' from his master Wiggins, no doubt it is the combination of all of these factors, and as a cycling fan it is just magic.

Froome was first to attack as they rounded one of the tight bends of the final climb towards the finish but it was to no avail, he was easily reigned in before Contador turned on his legs in a beautiful change of speed and attacked in his familiar style.

He quickly distanced himself from the chasing three and with 150m to go, taking a quick glance over his shoulder, looking like he had the race all but won.

But fellow Spaniards Valverde and race leader Rodriguez would have none of that. Within the next 50m they began to round him up and it would seem out of nowhere they were in Contador's shadow,  fast approaching.

Contador tried in vein to hold them off but they would be too strong with Valverde again showing why he is one of the best at this scenario taking the win ahead of Rodriguez and a somewhat bewildered Contador.

Froome was left to skulk over the line 15 seconds behind in 4th place.

Rodriguez still holds onto a narrow lead in the general classification 33 seconds ahead of Froome and Contador closes the gap edging within 7 seconds of Froome. Valverde is in fourth place.

There is little doubt that one of these riders will be this year's winner. Many have laid bets on Chris Froome taking into account his brilliant time trialling ability. Valverde and Rodriguez will have to be concerned heading towards the Stage 11 time trial and Contador, a strong time trialist in his own right will no doubt need to be at his best on the day.

I still feel it will come down to the Contador vs Froome battle, but with explosive and exciting racing as we have seen so far I don't really mind who wins, I am simply relishing it as it all unfolds.