Orbea off the pace in Madrid

Orbea failed to set the Vuelta a Madrid alight this weekend. In the opening day's ITT, Díaz's charges had to settle for a 27th place through Ricardo García as their best result. Jon Izagirre followed closely behind in 28th, while Xabier Zabalo was 59th, Joseba Larralde 70th, Adrián Sáez 74th, Mikel Landa 87th, Jon Aberasturi 94th and Beñat Urain 97th. In the afternoon stage Jon Aberasturi tried to mix it up with the fast guys but had to settle for a 19th place. Adrián Sáez, Larralde and Zabalo found the going too tough and ended up in the second peloton some 20 seconds adrift. It was hoped Mikel Landa or Jon Izagirre could put their mark on Sunday's queen-stage. Mikel did okay to finish 19th, 3:07 down, while Izagirre Jr. ended up 23th 3:21 back. The rest of the guys all ended up more than elleven minutes down on the day. Final GC:

• 20th, Jon Izagirre
• 21st, Mikel Landa
• 46th, Xabier Zabalo
• 54th, Joseba Larralde
• 56th, Ricardo García
• 75th, Adrían Sáez
• 76th, Beñat Urain
• 92nd, Jon Aberasturi