Castilla y León: stage 1

Rubén Pérez sprinted to 10th on today's first stage of the Vuelta a Castilla y León into Palencia to give Euskaltel a solid start to the five-day stage race. Euskaltel were one of many teams who contributed to reeling the stage's main break back in to set it up for the sprint, but Pérez didn't find the perfect spot inside the last kilometres and had to settle for 10th. Up-and-coming Orbea sprinter Jon Aberasturi was hot on his heels in 11th place, while the speedy Ricardo García went even better to grab a respectable eighth. Orbea, who are represented by the two sprinters, Bizkarra, Cabedo, Etxebarria, Sáez, Urain and Martín, had an eventful opening day by placing the latter in the break and obviously getting into the mix at the end there. For Euskaltel, four of the riders lost time today: Nieve and Minguez both came in at six seconds, while Azanza was 1:40 down and Sesma 3:04. Five Orbea riders finished outside the peloton. Bizkarra, Etxebarria and Cabedo rolled in at 1:40, Urain at 1:54 and Sáez at 2:03.