bettini photo
Today it took place the second stage of “Vuelta a Andalucia – Ruta del Sol”, a 150-km long one from Malaga to Alto Santuario de Nuestra Senora De Araceli. In the first stage with a uphill finishing line, a 1st category climbing with an 18% highest pendence in the last kilometer, and three other mountains during its course – one more 1st category, one 2nd and one 3rd – the new Katusha Team’s Russian rider Denis Menchov reached the second position, right behind Alejandro Valverde (Movistar). The stage was characterized by a solo breakaway from Mickael Buffaz (Cofidis), who reached a maximum gap of 6′ over the main group. This action was neutralized with just 5 kms to go, when the last climbing started. With the lock step group, many riders tried to attack: one of these was Simon Spilak, the Katusha Team’s Slovenian rider which tried the blitz with three other riders with 3,5 kms to go. This breakaway was neutralized with 1,5 kilometers to go. In the last kilometer Valverde attacked: Menchov tried the chase but he couldn’t reach him. The Russian champion crossed the finishing line together with Rein Taaramae (Cofidis), who completed the podium, and Frank Schleck (RadioShack-Nissan), fourth, with a 10” gap. Thanks to this win, Valverde is the new general classification’s leader, while Menchov is 4th, 14” far from the Spanish rider.
“In general I’m satisfied with today’s result – said Menchov – obviously I prefer to win but this 2nd place is really not bad. With the team we studied a strategy in order to take a good position at the end of the last climb. My teammates did a great job: unfortunately, Valverde’s blitz was too strong for my shape at this period of the season. Anyways, I kept my own pace and thanks to this I could reach a good podium place. I feel in a good condition, my shape is improving, I think I’m following a good schedule, so I’m optimistic for the rest of the season”.
KATUSHA MEDIA SERVICE