Euskaltel bad in Santarém

Euskaltel did not have the best of days in the Volta ao Distrito de Santarém today to say the least. In a 1.1 ranked event, and with few Pro Tour teams present, you would expect Euskaltel to fight for the wins. Though, Euskaltel weren`t even close. The best placed Euskaltel rider was Lander Aperribay in a distant 60th spot, 17 seconds behind winner Benitez. Aitor Galdos, Dioni Galparsoro, Amets Txurruka and Iban Iriondo were also in this group. Further back, Unai Uribarri placed 140th, 4:04 back, while Andoni Lafuente ended dead last, a massive 25:53 behind. After the stage, sporting director Xavier Carbayeda was far from pleased with his riders. This is what he had to say to www.fundacioneuskadi.com: "We were bad today. A break consisting of three riders got away, but with none of us in it. Logically we had to chase, as Aitor Galdos was our big hope for a sprint. Though, we weren`t able to get anyone in the front group. Tomorrow has to be better than this. The only way is up".