Primoz Roglic won the Vuelta a España for a record-equalling fourth time on Sunday, the perfect pick-me-up after crashing out of the Tour de France.

The Slovenian wrapped up his fifth-career Grand Tour when he finished second in the closing time-trial on the streets of Madrid won by Stefan Kung.

"It's crazy – already four, I just want to enjoy it," he said before hugging his wife Lora and children.

Australia's Ben O'Connor finished runner-up overall with Spain's Enric Mas completing the podium.

With the sun setting on the streets of the Spanish capital Roglic, 34, drew level with Spaniard Roberto Heras for number of wins in the season's third and closing Grand Tour.

Roglic finished the race 2min 36sec up on O'Connor, with Mas third at 3:13.

"There's a lot of sacrificing, not only by me, but also my family, everyone around me," Roglic said. "We all live for it – I just feel happy I can do it."

Roglic, riding for Red Bull-Bora-hansgrohe team, had to fight for the red jersey after a gruelling race that began three weeks ago in Portugal and featured some of the toughest climbs the sport has to offer.

He won stage four to take the overall lead but then O'Connor burst to the top of the general classification by almost five minutes.

Roglic slowly chipped away at the Australian's massive cushion with a bunch of strong mountain place finishes.

He reclaimed the leader's red jersey after his third win on stage 19. (AFP)