Win Won Winner Joan O

Vuelta 21: Sagan steals final stage from pure sprinters

Peter Sagan's Vuelta a España debut got even better as the Liquigas-Cannondale rider made it three stage wins in this year's edition by beating Italian sprinters Alessandro Petacchi and Daniele Bennati in the final stage through Madrid this afternoon.

The 21-year-old Slovakian sprung from nowhere in the finale and cheekily swept under the drag race between Petacchi and Bennati to take another stage win in his first grand tour and indicate that he'll be a man to watch at the UCI Road World Championships later this month in Copenhagen, Denmark.

The man upon which all eyes focused as the peloton swept into Madrid was Juan José Cobo however, the unexpected leader and champion elect of the Vuelta a España enjoying the limelight with a little fanfare and plenty of satisfaction.

That's because it's been a long and arduous journey for Cobo, the man who was considered one of Spain's best prospects for stage race victory just three years ago when he finished second to Leonardo Piepoli on the Hautacam stage of the Tour de France while riding for the now-defunct Saunier Duval squad (he was later awarded the stage when Piepoli tested positive for CERA).

Since then he's been embroiled in controversy surrounding that team, fallen into obscurity and even considered retirement several months ago; on Sunday afternoon that was the last thing on his mind.

"I've passed through some bad moments the past few months, but now I see things differently. You realise that hard work and sacrifice are worth it – this win makes up for the suffering that I've gone through on the bike," Cobo said.

After terrific performances in stage 14 and 15 to La Farrapona. Lagos de Somiedo and Anglirú, respectively, Cobo defended the red jersey with gusto until the final day, which took riders into the heart of Madrid. He celebrated with that leader's jersey, where 12 months earlier Vincenzo Nibali had stood, the latest champion of the Vuelta a España.

The People of the Year Award winners 2011 on yay.ie | what's ...

Rory McIlroy Named Sports Person of the Year

Late Police Constable Ronan Kerr Honoured

Ireland Cricket Team Recognised for International Success

Skerries Celebrated for Tireless Community Spirit

US Open champion Rory McIlroy , the Ireland cricket team and the late PSNI Police Constable Ronan Kerr were amongst those honoured at the 2011 People of the Year Awards this evening, organised by Rehab and sponsored by QUINN-healthcare.

Also honoured at the star-studded Awards ceremony, which were broadcast live on RTÉ One television from the Citywest Hotel, Saggart, was the Co. Dublin town of Skerries which was recognised for the community’s search effort for two men – Ronan Browne and David Gilsenan – who were tragically lost at sea in April of this year. This year’s special award for Best Friend of the Year was awarded to Sharon Malloy from Laois, for her remarkable compassion and enduring support to a friend fighting drug addiction.

The Awards, now in their 37th year, were presented by Gráinne Seoige with An Taoiseach, Enda Kenny TD, the Guest of Honour. Ireland’s answer to an honours system, the Awards provide a unique opportunity for the Irish public to honour outstanding achievements and contributions made by individuals and organisations to life in our country today. The winners are chosen by members of the public through a nominations process and finalised by a panel of adjudicators, comprising of leading members of the media, voluntary sector and business community.

The 2011 People of the Year Award winners are as follows:

Rory McIlroy , from Holywood, Co. Down, had a special year in 2011 after a record-breaking victory at the US Open Golf Championship in June. Following in the footsteps of his fellow countryman Graeme McDowell, a winner of a People of the Year Award in 2010, McIlroy recorded a score of 16-under-par – an eight-shot victory – landing the title to become the Open’s youngest winner since 1923 and tying or breaking 12 Open records in the process. Celebrating his win, Rory turned to his father Gerry McIlroy and commented “Happy Father’s Day, this one’s for you” and the world knew that this was the moment the McIlroys had been waiting for all their lives. Tipped as the next superstar in international golf, Rory McIlroy received the Sports Person of the Year award.

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