The first Grand Tour ended in an all-too-familiar manner with Alberto Contador (Tinkoff-Saxo) deservedly topping the final podium after another dominant performance.

Such was El Pistolero’s dominance, not even losing a lot of time on the final three days could stop the Spaniard from cruising to a convincing seventh Grand Tour win – nine for those who count the two stripped from his record.

Having been interestingly poised for the first two weeks, a dominant time trial – in adverse conditions – and a masterclass on the Mortirolo put paid to any suggestion he would not be making it back-to-back Grand Tour wins.

But where does it leave us? Can Contador do the Giro-Tour double? And what of the other contenders – both those who stuck the course, and those forced out of the race?

And how did it all go wrong so often for the sprinters?

Read on for our post-race thoughts and analysis.