BURY cyclist Simon Yates strengthened his position in the Vuelta a Espana, finishing the 11th stage to Pena Cabarga in seventh place overall.

The 24-year-old ORICA-BikeExchange rider came sixth, 13 seconds behind compatriot Chris Froome, who won the stage but finished on the same time as race leader Nairo Quintana following a punishing battle up the final climb.

Froome is attempting to become the first person in 38 years to win both the Tour de France and Vuelta a Espana in the same year.

He is currently trailing Quintana by 54secs behind, with Yates 3mins 25secs down on the Columbian.