George Bennett becomes first Kiwi to crack top 10

Kiwi cyclist George Bennett has become the first New Zealander to finish inside the top 10 in a grand tour. Photo / Photosport

Kiwi George Bennett has finished tenth overall in cycling's Vuelta a Espana.

The tour has just wrapped with a sprint finish in Madrid.

He's the first Kiwi cyclist to finish top ten in a grand tour.

Movistar rider Nairo Quintana won the overall event, adding the title to the 2014 Giro d'Italia on his Grand Tour list of honors.

The Colombian climbing expert had cemented his commanding lead over nearest rival Chris Froome in Saturday's decisive mountain stage.

Following custom, Froome did not challenge Quintana on the traditional ride into the Spanish capital on the 21st and final stage. Instead, the two top cyclists of the moment spent some time chatting as they pedaled along side by side.

Quintana finished the 71st edition of the race 1 minute, 23 seconds in front of second-placed Froome.