VPV 5: Time trial decider

From Euskaltel's point of view, today's fifth and penultimate stage from Eibar to Zalla went by quietly. It was all about staying out of trouble and keeping the legs as fresh as possible for tomorrow's individual crono in today's finishing town. Samu had no troubles all day and rolled in to place 10th on the stage. Gorka Verdugo attacked the pack with only a kilometre to go but he couldn't hold the pack off and was reeled in some 300 metres out. That's probably the first time I've ever seen Verdugo pull off an attack like that, on the flat inside the last k, and it goes to prove he's approaching top form. Heading into the time trial the Etxarri native is lying a healthy 13th overall. Samu of course is stil tied on time with Purito and Klöden, whilst Horner is a second adrift. Ten riders are within ten seconds of the lead ahead of the big finale, but I reckon only Samu, the aforementioned Shack duo and Vino have a real chance of snatching the overall. Keep an eye on Gesink, though, he won the concluding ITT in Oman remember. Stage results:

• 10, Samuel Sánchez, 0:00
  
• 29, Gorka Verdugo, s.t.
  
• 31, Egoi Martínez, s.t.
  
• 63, Amets Txurruka, 1:20
  
• 66, Juan José Oroz, s.t.
  
• 71, Iñaki Isasi, s.t.
  
• 95, Pablo Urtasun, 6:49
  
• 98, Iván Velasco, s.t.

"There are no unknowns tomorrow; I know the course like the back of my hand", Samu confidently told the team's website upon crossing the line. "I have to give it 100% and then some more. So far we're pleased with the race. We've won the queen-stage, and that holds real value. The level of participation in this race is very high and we've not gone unnoticed. We'll fight for the win tomorrow".