Galdós ousts Maté for Memorial Clavero win

Aitor Galdós might not be hitting the highs of yesteryear and is set to retire after the season, but the 33-year-old showed signs of life on Saturday as he claimed the 21st running of the traditional off-season race Memorial Isabel Clavero in Las Rozas, just outside Madrid.

The former Euskaltel, Ceramica Panaria and Nippo-Hoddo sprinter, and now also formerly of Caja Rural as his contract won't be extended, escaped about halfway through with Cofidis' local hero Luis Ángel Maté. The duo stayed away, and the Ermua native just about edged out Maté to the line, avenging his second place of four years ago. Fellow Basque and erstwhile team-mate Koldo Fernández de Larrea grabbed third.

This year's race paid tribute to former rider Juan Carlos Vicario and José Manuel Fernández, former head of equipment producer Spiuk. Both passed away earlier this year.

A whole host of current pros were present - click on this link to view an image gallery.

Photo: Caja Rural