Vuelta cyclists come to blows

TWO cyclists have been disqualified from the 16^th stage of the Vuelta a España after a spat descended into a fist fight.

Monday’s 160.5 kilometre stage 16 of the race saw fellow riders and spectators look on astonished as the pair threw punches at one another.

Russian Ivan Rovny and Italian Gianluca Brambilla were part of an early breakaway during the 16^th stage of the race between San Martin del Rey Aurelio to La Farrapona.

But with 40 kilometres to the finish line, Rovny, who rides for Tinkoff Saxo, was seen to put his arm up in front Omega Pharm Quick-Step rider Brambilla in an apparent block.

The Italian retaliated by throwing his arm up in front of Rovny, and soon the pair can be seen hitting each other, while the riders around them look on bemusedly.

A couple of minutes later race officials decided to disqualify both riders, which Brambilla’s team confirmed via Twitter.

Spain’s Alberto Contador won the stage, extending his overall lead in the Vuelta by doing so.

Britain’s Chris Froome came in just behind him to finish in second.