Vuelta Who?

It has been a massive sporting year already for Espana. Having claimed the title of European football champions by claiming the Euro 2008 in emphatic fashion. Winning a tournament of significance for the first time in decades. Rafael Nadal continued his dominance of the Paris clay taking out his fourth consecutive French Open and his maiden Wimbledon title, knocking off the tennis colossus that is Roger Federer, what's more in the most prestigious Tennis tournament in the world. Kick starting his rise to the number one ranking as the worlds best male tennis player, add to this a gold medal at Beijing and its a pretty satisfying summer.

Taking out the Euro 2008 is enough to have the entire of Spain in jubilant raptures, but to put icing on the cake not only did Alberto Contador take out the Giro d'Italia (one of the three cycling grand tours) but the softly spoken Carlos Sastre (shown above) took out the holy grail of cycling- Le tour de France. In three of the most prestigious events on the sporting calendar, in three of arguably the most popular sports in Europe (and in the case of football- the world) Spaniards have reigned supreme.

So what better way to cap of a memorable summer than the Vuelta Espana. Many Australians may just mutter to themselves, Vuelta what? Vuelta who? The Vuelta Espana, cycling' Tour of Spain. It may not be well known outside of Europe other than to the most ardent of cycling enthusiasts, but boasts some of the most challenging climbs on the continent. The Vuelta is the little known brother of superstar siblings the Giro d'Italia and of course the Tour de France. Boasting a Vuelta title on the CV is no mean feat, and while Australia is in the midst of finals fever in the footy codes, many in Europe will have one eye on Spain - Who will no doubt be reveling in a successful summer and cheering on there heroes- Sastre, Contador and Valverde. For a Spaniard to take out the Vuelta and thus complete a clean sweep of the three grand tours- would be the cherry on top of the icing on the cake, if you follow me. So for those suffering from a bit of Tour de France deprivation syndrome the Vuelta should be the quick fix that will get you to spring, where the viewing priorities will move to short skirts and bronzed bodies.

Viva la Espana!