Low-key season finale for Orbea

Orbea were not able to claim a win their efforts throughout the season merited at the Tour de Gévaudan this weekend, and as such closed out their 2012 campaign with no triumphs to their name.

Slovenian Team Vorarlberg rider Robert Vrecer did his chances of signing with Euskaltel no harm as he captured the first stage ahead of Davide Rebellin and Cofidis' Rudy Molard. Vrecer is rumoured to become one of Euskaltel's first non-Basque signings this year, along with compatriot Jure Kocjan, and his triumph on the opening leg to La Grand-Combe will only make him an even stronger candidate for pulling on the orange jersey in 2013. Mikel Bizkarra, pictured above, was the team's top rider on the stage with his 24th place finish, just ahead of Omar Fraile in 28th.

Results stage 1 (full results here):

• (1, Robert Vrecer (Team Vorarlberg), 3:27:46)
• 24, Mikel Bikzarra, 2:00
• 28, Omar Fraile, 4:00
• 34, Aritz Bagües, 5:30
• 35, Igor Merino, 7:31
• 64, Illart Zuazubiskar, 19:22
• DNF: Jon Aberasturi

Davide Rebellin got revenge for his near-miss on Sunday, soloing in ahead of Jonathan Bibby of Endura on his way to claiming the overall win. Omar Fraile, who's not likely to join Euskaltel next year after all according to reports, came in tenth. Bizkarra's 18th place was enough for him to finish the race ranked 16th overall. 

Results stage 2 (full results here):

• (1, Davide Rebellin (Meridiana Kamen Team), 4:08:10
• 10, Omar Fraile, 0:10
• 18, Mikel Bizkarra, 1:06
• 29, Aritz Bagües, 3:12
• 51, Igor Merino, 6:52
• DNF: Illart Zuazubiskar

Final general classification:

• (1, Davide Rebellin (Meridiana Kamen Team), 7:35:40)
• 16, Mikel Bizkarra, 3:42
• 18, Omar Fraile, 4:26
• 30, Aritz Bagües, 8:58
• 43, Igor Merino, 14:39