Stage 9 | Orihuela / Cumbre del Sol, El Poble Nou de Benitatxell | Vuelta a España 2017

Stage nine of the Vuelta a España saw another hilltop finish and a win for Chris Froome – the first time this season he has been able to cross the line first with his arms in the air. Richard Moore and Fran Reyes discuss the stage and also the latest news concerning Cannondale-Drapac, the World Tour team whose future has been plunged into doubt following the withdrawal of a sponsor.

We hear from Froome’s sports director, Nicolas Portal. And we talk to Joe Dombrowski, one of the Cannondale riders who only heard on Saturday about his team’s uncertain future. They put up a strong display on stage nine, helping to chase down the breakaway to try and set up Michael Woods, who was third at the top of the climb.

In the final part we hear an extended conversation between Lionel Birnie and Jonathan Vaughters, the Cannondale-Drapac team boss, in which he explains the current situation and what needs to happen over the coming days to save the team.

The Cycling Podcast is supported by Rapha and Science in Sport.