Team Katusha's Denis Menchov earlier today rode to victory in the penultimate stage of the 2012 Vuelta a Espana, which finished atop the feared Bola del Mundo, thereby proving that long breakaways can indeed pay off.

Denis Menchov climbs to victory in penultimate stage of 2012 Vuelta a Espana ahead of Richie Porte; Alberto Contador leads the Vuelta a Espana before tomorrow's final ride to Madrid.