Isasi and Galdos out; Haimar strong

The first stage of the five-day Vuelta a Murcia saw two Euskaltel riders abandoning. In a stage filled with crashes, Euskaltel sprinters Iñaki Isasi and Aitor Galdos had to abandon due to the injuries suffered as a consequence of a mass-crash with 45 kms to go. Sporting director Xavier Carbayeda put it this way: "We`ve been very unlucky. The wind is a dangerous enemy that creates tension and nervousness. Because of it there`s been numerous falls today. In that sense, the day has been terrible for us. Isasi and Galdos both had to leave the race, and we`ll suffer from that. They`re two important riders". The only positive to take is the form of Haimar Zubeldia. Due to heavy wind, the peloton split in several peaces. At first there were only 14 riders in the front group, among them Haimar. In the end, a group of 42 riders came in together, with Haimar being the sole Euskaltel representative. Haimar came in in a promising 15th position, at the same time as winner Rojas. The other Euskaltel riders came in with the latter parts of the peloton. Unai Uribarri came in 57th, 6:19 behind. Iñigo Landaluze came in with the same group, in 80th. Further behind, Jorge Azanza came in 94th, Igor Antón 95th, and Lander Aperribay 97th, all 9:16 behind. Xavier Carbayeda had this to say after the stage: "It`s been a nervous stage, with the wind playing a major role. A group of three got away after 16 kms. We tried to join the break, but just couldn`t make it. The trio stayed in front for 100 kms, until Unibet decided to up the pace. Though, Rabobank was the team that split the peloton. For a moment, there were only 14 guys in the front, and one of them was Haimar, who showed his form is good. Later, more riders joined in, but Haimar stayed with the best. Haimar`s performance is the biggest pluss for us today. And, remember, the penultimate stage is a hilly TT, where Haimar can play his cards...."