Durán crushes field in Estella

If ever the word 'crush' is justifiable to use in cycling journalism, this is it. Arkaitz Durán won today's Torneo Euskaltel race solo - by five minutes.

The former pro, now riding for Azysa-Telco'm Conor, did it all on his own in the second race in the Euskaldun-series over 133 flat kilometres in Estella, Navarra. With a quartet up the road in a dangerous-looking escape, the 25-year-old took off from the peloton, caught up with the break, left them for dead and crossed the line first atop the El Puy sanctuary. Second, at a full 5:16, was his team-mate Borja Abásolo, who now leads the series overall. Joseba del Barrio from Bidelan-Kirolgi closed out the podium a further two seconds back.

Durán is aiming to use this season among the amateurs to catapult him back into the professional peloton. Performances like this will do his chances no harm.

Contrary to previous reports on this site, Naturgas Energía did not take the start.