CYCLING:With just two days remaining in the Vuelta a España, Rabobank rider Denis Menchov looks almost certain to take the second Tour of Spain of his career, writes Shane Stokes.
The Russian finished third yesterday at Alto de Abantos, crossing the line three seconds behind stage winner Samuel Sánchez (Euskaltel - Euskadi) and Daniel Moreno (Relax - Gam).
Carlos Sastre (CSC) was just behind Menchov in fourth and moves up to second overall. He overtakes Cadel Evans (Predictor Lotto), who finished one minute 25 seconds back in 15th place.
Sastre is likely to lose time in today's 20km time trial.
Irishman Philip Deignan is now 71st. He is showing signs of fatigue in what is his first Grand Tour, coming home 96th yesterday. He has performed well in some of the mountain stages and will grow in strength as a result of his Tour of Spain debut.
