Larrinaga shows potential in Piémont Pyrénéen

Jon Larrinaga once again showed he's ready for the blue jersey of Orbea next year with second place on today's second stage of French three-day race Tour du Piémont Pyrénéen.

Larrinaga, who's been up there consistently all season and until recently held the overall lead in the Trofeo Lehendakari sub-23 race series, was only beaten by 27-year-old former Ag2r pro and u23 French road race champion Julien Loubet on the stage from Rebenacq to Lac de Fabrèges. 23-year-old Yoann Barbas of French team Armée de Terre closed out the podium, while new overall leader Kévin Pigaglio, second yesterday, came home in fifth. Arkaitz Durán, who may or may not be set for Movistar next season, ceded vital time today by coming in 21st, but he's still ranked a healthy fifth overall, two places ahead of his compatriot Larrinaga.

As for the other riders in red and white, none made it into the break of the day and finished the stage some way down the rankings. Local rider Karl Baudron, who's had a solid season up until now, posted a DNF.

Stage two results:

• (1, Julien Loubet (GSC Blagnac), 3:25:08)
• 2, Jon Larrinaga, 1:13
• 32, Víctor Etxeberria, 2:58
• 41, Mikel Iturria, 4:53
• 64, Alain González, 17:58
• 77, Loïc Chetout, 23:04

Tomorrow's concluding stage will take the peloton on a 140km ride from Lembeye to Serres-Castet

Photo: Michel Masseing