Chris Froome successfully defends red jersey on Stage 20 of Vuelta

Chris Froome is virtually certain to become the first man to win La Vuelta and the Tour de France in the same year since 1978, after another fine ride in Saturday's penultimate stage in Spain.

Alberto Contador claimed a sensational stage win in his final grand tour before retirement, but Froome finished third to extend his advantage at the top of the General Classification.

Froome has been second in the Vuelta on three previous occasions but the Team Sky rider will claim victory for the first time as long as he safely crosses the line at the end of Sunday's processional final stage into Madrid.

Froome will become the first Brit to win La Vuelta and only the third man to complete the Tour-Vuelta double - and the first since the race switched from April to its present post-Tour position in 1995.

The final obstacle standing in Froome's way was Saturday's Stage 20, a 117.5km mountainous ride from Corvera de Asturias to a grueling summit finish at the Alto de l'Angliru, with rain not helping the riders.

Froome's closest rival Vincenzo Nibali suffered an early crash and he struggled on the final climb, while Contador launched a bold attack.

The 34-year-old has enjoyed a superb career, winning seven grand tour titles, including a trio of Vueltas.

And, despite colliding with a spectator at one point, he kept the chasing pack at bay and celebrated in style as he crossed the line.

Behind him, Froome and Team Sky lieutenant Wout Poels crossed the line 17 seconds later, extending the Brit's lead to two minutes 15 seconds in the general classification over Nibali.

Under race tradition, the top riders do not challenge each other in the final stage, so Froome is all set to emulate previous same year Vuelta-Tour winners Jacques Anquetil (1963) and Bernard Hinault (1978).

Froome told Cycling News: "It's an absolutely incredible feeling, and what a way to end such a massive three weeks of racing.

"Having completed the Tour-Vuelta double, that's an amazing feeling.

"Thanks to everyone for all of the support for the last few weeks.

"It was such a tough climb. We did everything we could to try and catch Alberto and my congratulations to him. To finish his career like this is beautiful."

Contador said: "There couldn't be a better finish, winning on the Angliru. End of my career, no way for a better end."