Samu grabs 3rd in gutsy team peformance

Euskaltel put on a great show on today's queen-stage of the Vuelta a España. Samu got third, and in the process advanced to 6th overall. Igor was a magnificent 8th, climbing to 13th overall and the team is now ranked third in the overall team rankings. Not bad, eh?

A big break broke clear quite early on, and Euskaltel of course had their representatives. Alán Pérez and Dioni, who're both riding impressively, infiltrated in the escape and stayed at the front of the race until halfway up the last climb. Then it was all over once again for the break, but the pair nonetheless gave colour to the stage and showed good form. A select lead group formed, with all the big favourites including Samu. Igor was not far behind though... Samu looked to be struggling quite a bit up the climb, not managing to stay in touch when someone, most often Sastre, accelerated. Though, Samu showed grit and determination to work himself back up the the remaining group time after time, and with two kilometres to go, Igor suddenly showed up. Igor came and, in his now trademark style, attacked the group immediately. He was followed by Piepoli, but the two climbers couldn't stay away and was reeled in by the group led by Menchov. Igor and Samu both stayed with the leaders till the end, and Igor once again attacked. Though, it was doomed, and Igor eventually finished 8th, 7 seconds down. Samu gave it his all to win, and came oh so close. He crossed the line in third position, and is now 6th overall. Way to go Samu! As a team, Euskaltel got third on the day and is ranked third overall as well. Aupa! Full results:

• 3rd, Samu Sánchez, 0:00
• 8th, Igor Antón, 0:07
• 44th, Alán Pérez, 5:12
• 54th, Haimar Zubeldia, 7:58
• 74th, Iñaki Isasi, 12:08
• 82nd, Dioni Galparsoro, 15:50
• 88th, Aitor Hernández, 18:54
• 158th, Iñigo Landaluze, 28:10
• 170th, Koldo Fernández, 41:05

By the way, resting is on the program for tomorrow in Spain, but the riders will be back in action on Wednesday.