Mestre impresses - but not in orange

Ricardo Mestre grabbed one of Euskaltel's top results of the year this weekend, but didn't do so while representing his new trade team.

Somewhat atypically, Mestre decided to swap his iconic orange outfit for that of his country for Sunday's Prova de Abertura, and ended up a solid eighth. According to the team's website, the Euskaltel newbie got into the right break alongside his more fast-finishing team-mates André Cardoso and Tiago Machado. Mestre was duly left to ride for his compatriots, and didn't have enough zip in his legs in the sprint to bag a podium for himself. First through third went to Carlos Oyarzun of Louletano-Dunas Douradas, Mestre's team-mate André Cardoso and Basque Arkaitz Durán, riding in the colours of his new team Efapel-Glassdrive.

Photo: Euskaltel Euskadi