Today's stage at Tour of Spain linked Plasencia to the winter sports resort of la Covatilla (Béjar), over 178 km.
This first mountain stage included four ascents: 2 cols of 1st category, one of 2nd category, and the final ascent to la Covatilla (hors category).
One hour after the start, a group of 17 racers took the lead, followed by a much thinned out peloton. The leading group dwindled regularly, while the peloton broke into several small groups.
With 35 km to go, Iñigo Landaluze (Spain, Euskaltel-Euskadi) attacked alone, leaving behind, the last 7 men of the initial group, and a first 50 wheel peloton at 3'.
This situation went on until the ascent toward la Covatilla, where Landaluze was replaced by Vladimir Gusev (Discovery Channel), David Arroyo (Caisse d'Épargne), Pietro Caucchioli (Crédit Agricole), José Miguel Elias (Relax) and Sergio Paulinho (Astana Team).
The first pursuers were not far behind, and they were also caught. The much animated final saw Danilo Di Luca (Liquigas) winning ahead of Janez Brajkovic (Slovenia, Discovery Channel). Robbie arrived today in last position, almost 40' after Di Luca. This was too much, so that Robbie may not start in the 6th stage.
Di Luca takes the "jersey de oro" from Thor Hushovd. |