Samu snatches maiden 2011 win

Samu Sánchez proved his form is right where it should be ahead of Monday's Vuelta al País Vasco by taking both his and his team's first win of 2011 in the GP Miguel Indurain earlier today. The classy Asturian had too much for perennial classics contender Kolobnev and two-time winner Wegmann towards the top of the Basilica de Puy, eventually soloing in for a pressure-relieving and richly deserved victory. It was a team effort, though, make no mistake, as Azanza and Txurruka showed their form is coming along nicely by infilitrating in dangerous-looking breaks while the remaining Euskaltel riders controlled the peloton for large portions of the race. Speaking to media afterwards, the ever-gracious Sánchez was quick to point out that particular fact. "The team did a sensational job. My nine team-mates were strong and have done an enormous amount of work", a relieved and visibly exhausted Samu told the press after crossing the line. "It was very difficult to win today, but we pulled it off and I'm very pleased. It's our first of the year so obviously it was welcome." A strong showing by the team it was for sure: Velasco and Antón were 17th and 18th respectively, Verdugo 24th and R Pérez finished 60th. It was a relieving sight ahead of the season-defining País Vasco. Gorka Verdugo even took out the regional rider classification to complete a good day out for him. Now, bring on the Vuelta.