Quesada Wins Stage 1 of Andalucian Tour
Carlos Garcia Quesada (Comunidad Valenciana) has taken the early lead in the Vuelta a Andalucia (Ruta del Sol). Quesada rode away from two companions on the day?s last climb to win Stage 1, a 150.5-km ride from Benalmadena to Comares, in 4:05:50. Francisco Cabello (Comunidad Valenciana) finished second at 0:26, and Johan Vansummeren (Lotto) took third at 0:40.
From the start, the racing was aggressive. A series of attacks whittled down the lead group to 19 riders at 15 km, and this group forged a 10-minute lead by 63 km. During the second half of the stage, the bunch chased hard, but the damage was done.
On the day?s first climb, the Category 2 Puerto de Camino Real (85 km), Comunidad Valenciana started pressing the pace. With seven km left, at the foot of the Category 1 Puerto de Comares, Quesada attacked and dropped his companions. Later, Cabello made his move to take second place.
In the overall, Quesada leads Cabello by 0:26 and Vansummeren by 0:40. Stage 2 might change this state of affairs. The 166-km run from Antequera to La Zubia will feature a Category 2 finishing climb. Will the Comunidad Valenciana men keep their advantage? Will someone from another team hurtle into the lead? Check in at http://www.roadcycling.com/ and find out!
