Naturgas shut out by Caja Rural

Naturgas Energía were no match for the all-conquering Caja Rural outfit in today's Lehendakari-race in Bermeo, the green squad taking the first four places.

Importantly though, Imanol Estévez grabbed sixth and with it some vital points in the chase for overall leadership of the series. Debabarrena's Aitor González remains in the lead, but did not place top ten today.

Eventual winner Jesus del Pino, turning 22 today, jumped clear with team-mates Molina, who won yesterday's race in Urduliz, and Rubén Fernández, second on Saturday, on the last time going up the Sollube, a punishing ascent towards the end of the 94km race. Frenchman Loïc Chetout, pictured above, grabbed eight to make sure the red and white team had two riders inside the top ten.

Results LII Circuito Sollube, Bermeo:

• 1, Jesus del Pino (Caja Rural), 2:09:52
• 2, Antonio Molina (Caja Rural), s.t.
• 3, Rubén Fernández (Caja Rural), s.t.
• 4, Miguel Ángel Benito (Caja Rural), s.t.
• 5, Ander Plazaola (Koplad Uni2), 1:38
• 6, Imanol Estévez (Naturgas Energía), 1:50
• 7, Marcos Jurado (Seguros Bilbao), 2:10
• 8, Loïc Chetout (Naturgas Energía), s.t.
• 9, Dario Hernández (Caja Rural), s.t.
• 10, Jon Iriarte (Bidelan-Kirolgi), s.t.

Photo: Pascal Baudron