MADRID, Sept. 10 (Xinhua) -- Remco Evenepoel (Quick Step Alpha Vinyl) almost assured the overall win of this year's Vuelta a Espana cycle race when he came through the penultimate stage with his two-minute and five-second lead over second-placed Enric Mas (Movistar).

Saturday's 181-kilometer stage between Moralzarzal and the Puerto de Navacerrada, with three first category and two-second category mountains, was the last chance for Mas and his Movistar team to pressure Evenepoel and try and force the young Belgian rider to crack on one of the climbs.

However, Evenepoel was equal to everything Movistar could throw at him, and by the penultimate climb of the day, it was clear that he wasn't going to run of steam, while Mas and company had little left to throw at him.

The final climb up the Puerto de Cotos still had its excitement as the group containing the overall leaders closed in on the day's breakaway, which included Ricardo Carapaz (INEOS-Grenadiers) and Sergio Higuita (Bora-Hansgrohe).

The gap came down to just over 10 seconds when Carapaz launched one final attack to leave Higuita at the top of the last climb and ride the final six kilometers to win his third stage of the race, as well as assuring the jersey of the best climber.

Evenepoel crossed the line two seconds after Mas, with tears as he was congratulated by members of his team.

Sunday's final stage is 96 processions into Madrid, finishing with several circuits of the city center, in which tradition dictates that nobody looks to attack the leader, meaning the 22-year-old will claim his first Grand Tour. Enditem

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