Gorka 10th in Urkiola

Gorka rode superbly to claim 10th in the tough Subida a Urkiola today. Designated team-leader and pre-race favourite, Igor, was, as he said himself prior to the race, not in the best shape, and finished way back in 36th place, 4:08 adrift. He's just starting to prepare himself for the Vuelta, so I wouldn't expect too much of him in the upcoming races. But without Igor the team didn't really have a candidate for the win. Gorka did his very best though and finished 10th as I said. Though a 10th place finish in a small Spanish one-day race doesn't set the world alight, I'm very impressed. The Subida a Urkiola is a VERY tough race, always won by pure climbers, with the goal-line at the top of the final climb, so to see him so far ahead, in front or guys like Merchante, Redondo, Nocentini, Txurruka and Mosquera, is very satisfying. He's really turning into a decent climber this Gorka. Aupa! The rest of the guys were never in the mix. Amets was 22nd, Igor 36th, Aitor H 40th, Juanjo 45th, Markel 54th, Beñat 62nd and Jon 74th. Jorge and Andoni both abandoned.