Dioni 5th; Beñat abandons

Dioni did a tremendous stage today, and showed how good his form is, by placing 5th on today`s 8th stage of the Giro d`Italia. Dioni broke away from the peloton together with 21 others after approximately 60 km. None managed to break away from the pack in the closing stages, so a sprint would decide the winner. Dioni grabbed an impressive 5th in the sprint, and as a consequence advanced to 28th on GC. After the stage, he was happy: "The balance of the stage is positive. It was a break with important riders like Bettini, Vila, Andrea Noe, Sella, Cioni, Hincapie and Arroyo, so it was essential that the team was represented. I managed to join them, so I`m satisfied for two reasons. Firstly, and the most important thing, is that I`m feeling good. The knee doesn`t cause any pain, so that gives me confidence. I`ve never ridden a three-week race, but so far I`m feeling good. And secondly, because of the time I made up, I took a leap in the overall standings. If I`m consistent, and manage to keep my form, I hope to land a good overall placing. As always, I try not to think too far ahead, I`ll just take one day at the time. The Giro is a very demanding race, so it`s important to just take it from day to day".

On the bad side, breakaway specialist Beñat Albizuri had to abandon. Beñat had severe stomach pains through the night, and therefore couldn`t take to the start today. He`ll be going home for further examinations.

Antton Luengo is still bothered by injuries sustained in the opening TTT. Antton is suffering from severe chest pains, and came in 12:37 adrift. Another rider who had a terrible day in the saddle was fast-man Koldo Fernández. Though not injured, he came in dead last at 24:25. All the other Euskaltel riders came in with the peloton.