Naturgas weekend round-up

Naturgas Energía didn't quite succeed in animating the big race on Sunday, the Memorial Balenciaga in Eibar. None of the red team's riders got into any meaningful break, and Víctor Etxeberria was their top finisher in 40th place.

24-year-old Eduard Prades of Mopesa took a commanding solo win to show that he might still have what it takes to cut it the top table. Prades was formerly of pro team Andorra-Grandvalira, but has, in spite of several impressive results the last couple of years, not found a way back into the professional ranks. Second was Mopesa team-mate and track specialist Airán Fernández, while Azysa's 23-year-old Borja Abasolo grabbed the final step on the podium.

Young Basque Markel Antón of Bidelan secured his team a top result with a strong seventh place.

Naturgas results:

• (1, Eduard Prades, Mopesa)
• 40, Victor Etxeberria
• 112, Pablo Comins
• 121, Jon Larrinaga

In Sunday's other event, the Torneo Lehendakari-race Premio Primavera de Amorebieta, Naturgas were more to the fore. Alain González grabbed his best ever result in Naturgas' colours by finishing a lofty third, on the same time as winner Miguel Angel Benito of Caja Rural. González has, together with the likes of Loic Chetout and Jon Larrinaga, taken big steps this season compared to last, and is quickly becoming an important part of the team. Imanol Estévez came home 14th, while Alain Santamaría was 35th and Oier Sánchez 48th.