Samu 11th in Paris-Nice

Today`s third stage in the Paris-Nice stage-race saw Franco Pellizotti of Liquigas take the win, with Samu Sánchez coming in only two seconds back in 11th place. Samu seems to be in good shape ahead of the potentially race-deciding 5th stage on Thursday.

Today`s break went with no Euskaltel representative in it. Though, it was not for the lack of trying, with both Rúben Pérez and Markel Irizar on the attack in the early stages. Thomas Voeckler, the last of the original four-men break to capitulate, was caught inside the final km. To catch him, the peloton chased at a frantic pace, causing the peloton to split up in several pieces. Pellizotti arrived solo, with a 26-rider strong group followed at two seconds. Samu was a part of this group, coming in 11th, and now lies 11th also on GC. The next Euskaltel rider to come in was Rúben Pérez, who came in with Boonen`s group only 8 seconds adrift of the winner. Further on, Gorka Verdugo, Markel Irizar, Andoni Aranaga and Mikel Astarloza came home with the main group, 19 seconds back. Alan Pérez was 124th, at 46 seconds, while yesterday`s hero Iban Velasco was 139th, at 1:11. Currently, Samu lies 11th overall at only 15 seconds. Rúben Pérez is the next best placed Euskaltel rider in 33rd place. Going into the third stage, Euskaltel lie 10th in the team rankings.