Iban superb in Paris-Nice

Iban did a marvellous job today in Paris-Nice. The penultimate stage was a 200 km track over a very hilly course, and Iban stayed with the leading group all the way. Iban eventually placed 22nd, in the first group after Luis León Sanchez, who went solo with a couple of kms to go. His ride today was even more impressive as he was riding support for David Millar, who also came in with the first group. In the last 10 kms you could see Iban frequently on the front, leading the peloton in the chase for Alberto Contador, David Lopez Garcia, Sylvain Chavanel and Luis Sanchez. The peloton did catch up with all but Sanchez, who took an impressive win. Iban now lies 24th overall, just 1:39 behind leader Rebellin going into the last and mountainious stage around Nice. Though, as Millar is the best placed Saunier Duval rider on GC, I expect to see Iban work for him tomorrow instead of going for a stage-win. Iban is in unusually good form so early on, something that bodes well for the remainder of the season.