Verdugo in the break; Samu 9th

Samu Sánchez and Mikel Astarloza proved their form is coming along for the spring classics and the Vuelta al Pais Vasco after strong rides in today`s fourth and penultimate stage of the Volta a la Comunidad Valenciana. The stage, ending on the Alto del Campello, saw Gorka Verdugo enter the main break of the day, together with another four riders. Gorka rode strong all day, but, sadly, the break was reeled in with 15 kms to go. On the final ascent, Samu tried to split the leading group with numerous attacks. He didn`t succeed, nor did Mikel, but both came in among the first 16. Samu took a good 9th, while Mikel got a strong 16th. Both finished 14 seconds adrift of winner Alberto Contador. Mikel has got his Euskaltel career of to a blistering start, lying 10th overall before the last stage. Samu lies 11th overall heading into the flat and final stage. The rest of the Euskaltel riders: Jon Bru, 36th, 1:05 behind, Iban Velasco, 52nd, 1:39 behind, Rúben Pérez, 54th, 1:42 behind, Aitor Hernandez, 59th, 1:58 behind, Joseba Zubeldia, 109th, 4:32 behind, and Gorka Verdugo 129th, 6:33 behind. Euskaltel lie fourth in the team standings going into the last stage.