Notes

• Orbea DS Álex Díaz was very happy with his charges in Portugal this weekend. Jon Aberasturi sprinted to the team's first win of the year on the first stage, and eventually finished third overall to cap off a good team performance. Here's his low-down on the three days of racing: "On the first day everything went so smoothly: we were in most of the breaks and won the stage with Jon Aberasturi", he told the team's website. "On the second stage we had to take control of the peloton to keep the yellow jersey. It was an unusual experience for us but we succeeded. On the third stage it was obvious that the overall win would be decided in the intermediate sprints. Unfortunately Xabier Zabalo took a tumble with 400 metres to go, so we couldn't really set up the sprint too well. Jon Aberasturi eventually finished third overall, so we're more than satisfied. We've taken a big leap forward, both mentally and physically".


• Third overall in País Vasco last year whilst riding for Euskaltel, prodigious Beñat Intxausti is again aiming for the podium. The Movistar rider has severely been set back by illness so far this year, though, and sees former team-mate Samuel Sánchez as a hurdle he needs to pass if he's to reach his goal. "I see four big favourites: Andreas Klöden, Chris Horner, Fränk Schleck and Samuel Sánchez", he told El Diario Vasco, sponsor of the event.


• Speaking after his win in Portugal, Jon Aberasturi has admitted his win came as a big surprise. "It was totally unexpected", he told the team's website. "One thing is believing you can win because you're a fast sprinter. It's a whole different story to actually pull it off. So many factors have to be on your side, like luck, but without a doubt it's been a pleasant surprise. My team-mates did fantastically well and it was a joy for all of us." Click http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1XPwqTHsNYA to see the win.