Iturria secures breakthrough result

Mikel Iturria clung on to his seventh place overall on the Ronde de l'Isard's final day to grab his best result in the pro ranks.

The youngster joined Euskadi from Naturgas Energía in the off-season and showed himself worthy of the chance with a strong ride in the prestigious French stage-race.

The last stage, a 161,3km trek from Foix to Saint-Girons, was won by Dutchman Gertjan De Vos. Haritz Orbe, who led the race after the first pair of stages, came in a strong fifth, while Iturria came in just a places further back in 16th.

Results:

• (1, Gertjan De Vos (Ovyta-Eijssen-Acrog), 4:38:01)
• 5, Haritz Orbe, 0:52
• 16, Mikel Iturria, s.t.
• 51, Mikel Aristi, 20:20
• 52, Carlos Barbero, s.t.

Final general classification:

• (1, Juan Ernesto Chamorro (4 72 Colombia), 16:34:40)
• 7, Mikel Iturria, 0:47
• 16, Haritz Orbe, 7:17
• 38, Carlos Barbero, 36:00
• 45, Mikel Aristi, 40:32

Photo: Fundación Euskadi