20 Oct 2009

Spaniards top cycle rankings

9:53 am on 20 October 2009

Alberto Contador has spearheaded a dominant season for Spanish cycling after finishing on top of the International Cycling Union's world rankings.

The Tour de France champion led a Spanish trio, with compatriots Alejandro Valverde and Samuel Sánchez taking second and third in the individual rankings, respectively.

Contador's trade team Astana finished the season at the top of the team rankings, while Spain finished well clear of Italy as the top nation.

The leading New Zealander is Greg Henderson at 112, with Hayden Roulston at 198.