Good start for Euskaltel

Euskaltel enjoyed a good start to the Vuelta al País Vasco today. Aitor Hernández was in the break of the day, and claimed the climber`s jersey, while Samu came in with the very best in 11th place. Aitor broke away early with Vicente Ballester and Javier Ramírez, both from Fuerteventua Canarias, and Pablo Lastras of Caisse d`Epargne. These roads are Aitor`s training roads, so he knew every twist and turn all day. Aitor was obviously keen to take the climber`s jersey with him today, taking top honours at the first six tops. Eventually, with something like 25 km remaining, Pablo Lastras took off. Aitor went after him, but could only catch him at the moment the winning break of 6 caugth them. The break in the end succeeded, with Saunier Duval rider Juan José Cobo taking his first big win. The attacking started in the leading group, and Samu launched an attack about 1 km from the top. Eventually Samu ended up 11th, 19 seconds behind Cobo. The time differences among the best were minimal, but Samu has no doubt got off to a good start. Mikel Astarloza also looked strong, coming home 25th, 32 seconds adrift, together with Contador, Schumacher, Joly, Sinkewitz and Rogers among others. Here`s how the Euskaltel riders placed today:

• 11th, Samu Sánchez, 0:19
• 25th, Mikel Astarloza, 0:32
• 45th, Gorka Verdugo, 0:55
• 51st, Jorge Azanza, 1:38
• 63rd, Aitor Hernández, 2:43
• 132nd, Rúben Pérez, 9:28
• 135th, Unai Etxebarria, 9:28
• 137th, Iñigo Landaluze, 9:28

Aitor Hernández naturally leads the Mountain Classification comfortably, having secured 34 points today. Second is Javier Ramírez with 22. Due to the good riding by the whole team, Euskaltel now lie 6th in the team rankings.