Alain González triumphs in Durana

Speedy youngster Alain González on Sunday handed Naturgas Energía yet another win in what is fast becoming a stellar campaign by coming out tops in the Trofeo Eusebio Vélez in Durana, Álava.

The 21-year-old, who hails from the region's capital, Vitoria-Gasteiz, had to settle for second last weekend in Amorebieta, but went one better this time to claim his first win of the year.

According to the Basque Cycling Federation, González formed part of a four-man break that went clear over the punishing, six-kilometre climb of Salinas. In the end, González and Julián Barrientos of Café Baqué - Conservas Campos distanced the other two to set up a mano-a-mano on the finishing straight.

González, a winner of another Lehendakari-race in Beasain last year, toppled Barrientos. Third, at 21 seconds, was Caja Rural's Carlos Antón Jiménez.

Courtesy of his tenth place today, Miguel Ángel Benito of Caja Rural holds on to his overall lead in the Torneo Lehendakari standings.

Results:

• 1, Alain González (Naturgas Energía), 2:57:38
• 2, Julián Barrientos (Café Baqué-Conservas Campos), s.t.
• 3, Carlos Antón Jiménez (Caja Rural), 0:21
• 4, Mario González (Café Baqué-Conservas Campos), 0:23
• 5, Santiago Ramírez (Lizarte), s.t.
• 6, Antonio Angulo (Café Baqué-Conservas Campos), s.t.
• 7, Imanol Estévez (Naturgas Energía), s.t.
• 8, Paul Usabel (Café Baqué-Conservas Campos), s.t.
• 9, Antonio Pedrero (Lizarte), s.t.
• 10, Miguel Ángel Benito (Caja Rural), s.t.