Jiménez takes Bidasoa stage 1

Caja Rural once again showed their strength with an opening day win in the Vuelta al Bidasoa earlier today courtesy of Carlos Antón Jiménez.

Jiménez, who's represented Spain at youth level, took the win from a big group sprint at the end of the 122,9 kilometres between Irún and Hendaia. Jiménez beat Jesús Herrero of Gomur and Mariano Rodríguez of Koplad to take his second win of the season, adding to his triumph in Laukiz back in March.

None of the Naturgas Energía riders were in contention, but everyone, bar Damien Garcia and Karl Baudron, finished inside the peloton.

Stage results:

• 1, Carlos Antón Jiménez (Caja Rural), 2:54:11
• 2, Jesús Herrero (Gomur Ferroat), s.t.
• 3, Mariano Rodríguez (Koplad-Uni2), s.t.
• 4, Roman Sáez (GSport Valenciaterra i Mar), s.t.
• 5, Sergio Rodríguez (Seguros Bilbao), s.t.
• 46, Imanol Estévez, s.t.
• 57, Jon Larrinaga, s.t.
• 58, Alain González, s.t.
• 70, Victor Etxeberria, s.t.
• 73, Mikel Iturria, s.t.
• 117, Damien Garcia, 12:05
• 124, Karl Baudron, 14:01

Full results can be found here.

Up tomorrow is a 128,8km trek from and to Hondarribia, taking in the nearby cat.1 Jaizkíbel on the way.