PRIMOZ ROGLIC won the Vuelta a Espana for a record-equalling fourth time on Sunday, the perfect pick-me-up after crashing out of the Tour de France.
The Slovenian wrapped up his fifth-career Grand Tour when he finished second in the closing time trial on the streets of Madrid won by Stefan Kung.
“It’s crazy – already four, I just want to enjoy it,” he said before hugging his wife Lora and children.
Meanwhile, after taking his second stage on Saturday, Ireland’s Eddie Dunbar was 30th in today’s time trial, which left him 11th overall.
Fellow Irish star Darren Rafferty finished 20th in the young rider classification and 75th in the general classification after coming 64th today.
Australia’s Ben O’Connor finished runner-up overall with Spain’s Enric Mas completing the podium.
With the sun setting on the streets of the Spanish capital Roglic, 34, drew level with Spaniard Roberto Heras for the number of wins in the season’s third and closing Grand Tour.
Roglic finished the race 2min 36sec up on O’Connor, with Mas (Movistar) third at 3:13.
After 81 hours, 49 minutes and 18 seconds in the saddle an exhausted but happy Roglic said: “This is nice! The more you go to an end, you just want to finish it off.
“There’s a lot of sacrificing, not only by me, but also my family, everyone around me. We all live for it. I just feel happy I can do it.
“I really appreciate all the support from the people around me.”
Roglic, riding for Red Bull-Bora-hansgrohe team, had to fight for the red jersey after a gruelling race that began three weeks ago in Portugal and featured some of the toughest climbs the sport has to offer.
He won stage four to take the overall lead but then O’Connor (Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale team) burst to the top of the general classification by almost five minutes.
Roglic slowly chipped away at the Australian’s massive cushion with a bunch of strong mountain place finishes.
He reclaimed the leader’s red jersey after his third win on stage 19.
This Vuelta triumph went a long way to making up for the disappointment of his Tour de France-ending crash before stage 13.
His success completed Slovenia’s domination of the 2024 Grand Tours, with his countryman Tadej Pogacar winning the Giro d’Italia and Tour de France.
While he may not have won O’Connor was jubilant over his breakthrough first-ever Grand Tour podium.
“I wasn’t expecting this, I expected to be good but not second overall. This calls for a pretty big celebration!” said the 28-year-old Aussie.
One of the big names in the peloton who failed to make it to Madrid was Wout Van Aert.
The Belgian star claimed three Vuelta stages to occupy the top of the points and mountain classifications only to suffer a heavy fall which not only ended his race but also his season.
You can view the full results here.
After tonight if all goes well conor should get it :)
Ahead of Andy Lee? Seriously?
I think it could be because there has been irish world champion boxers before we’ve never had a world champion in the ufc before if Conor was to win tonight
Whoever gets it needs to have won something major. Conor winning would certainly put him in the running. Andy Lee, Paul O’Connell and Rory McIlroy are all very worthy, as are some of the others nominated
The judging period is from last December to today, Conor winning tonight wouldn’t be considered for this year’s award and would instead count towards his claim for the 2016 award (like Andy Lee wasn’t considered for the 2014 awards for win over Korobov last December)
Manager of the year… Brian Cody. About time he received this award.
Michael O’Neill.
Would like to see Connacht involved .. there having their best season ever
Michael Conlan all the way. World and European gold this year and a brilliant boxer to watch
Paul O Connell. Why?
Because he’s a great lad, mammy’s love him, and he’s retiring!!
6 Nations winning captain. Puts the “fear of god” into people.
Conlan would be my pick
My picks on first thought would probably be McGreggor if he wins tonight, the Irish boxing team for team of the year and Willie Mullins for manager of the year.
Player would be either Paul O’Connell (for 6 Nations unfortunately not WC ) or Conor McGregor (if he beats Aldo) and Jim Gavin for Manager
I love Paul everyone does. Just saying if they are picking a rugby player. I think Ian Henderson. I’m Munster. But there’s eff all there to pick
You’re Michael, no?
Has to be Billy Walsh for manager of the year. He’ll probably win it in the states next year. A special mention for IABA for cock-up of the year.
No John kavanafh for manager of the year ?
Or Stephen Kenny. What does the man have to do?
Two managers unlucky not to be nominated = Pat Lam & John Kavanagh
OK it shd b Maurice Fìtz for his achievements with Kerry team St Marys…Legend
*kavanagh sorry
Conor Mcgregor, northern ireland and Michael O Neill, all amazing achievements in 2015