Samu 9th; Verdugo in the break

Samu Sánchez placed an impressive 9th today, meaning he now lies 7th overall going into the penultimate and, surely, race-deciding stage. Gorka Verdugo formed part of the break of the day, while Aitor Hernández clung onto his climbers jersey without problems.

Gorka, together with 9 others, got away after only 5 km. The group worked well together, but with 50 km remaining, German power-house Jens Voigt attacked the break and stayed clear until the line. When Gorka was caught inbetween Voigt and the peloton, he dropped back to the peloton to help Samu. Together with Rubén Pérez, he did a great job keeping the pace high on the first slopes up the last ascent. Samu stayed with the very best and came in 9th, together with the group chasing Gómez Marchante of Saunier, who came in 14 seconds earlier. Mikel Astarloza also had a good day today, coming home with the next chasing group, only 20 seconds after the first. Here`s how the Euskaltel riders did today:

• 9th, Samu Sánchez, 1:53
• 25th, Mikel Astarloza, 2:13
• 46th, Jorge Azanza, 3:10
• 67th, Rubén Pérez, 9:54
• 72nd, Gorka Verdugo, 12:28
• 91st, Aitor Hernández, 13:02
• 113th, Unai Etxebarria, 13:02
• 138th, Iñigo Landaluze, 15:10

Overall, Samu is 7th, 2:11 behind leader Angel Vicioso. Mikel is meanwhile lying an impressive 21st, only 3:20 back. In the team rankings Euskaltel is a sligthly disappointing 7th, while Aitor Hernández is well on course to take the mountains jersey with him home, leading his nearest contestor Beltrán by 5 points.