Orbe blows lead in Ronde de l'Isard

Equipo Euskadi held the first two positions overall going into Saturday's third and penultimate Ronde de l'Isard stage, but Haritz Orbe and Carlos Barbero can now count themselves well out of GC contention after the Colombians stole the show in France.

Heiner Parra led a Colombia one-two by besting compatriot Juan Ernesto Chamorro at the summit of Carla Bayle after a taxing 164,5-kilometre stage.

Haritz Orbe, not a shabby climber on his day, was wearing the leader's jersey but could only finish 36th at almost eight minutes, while Barbero, who's more noted for his skills on flat and less hilly terrain, ceded more than a quarter hour.

First-year pro Mikel Iturria was consequently left to fly the flag for the team and did so convincingly, claiming eighth on the line and rising to seventh on GC.

Results:

• (1, Heiner Rodrigo Parra (4 72 Colombia), 3:43:42)
• 8, Mikel Iturria (Euskadi), 0:33
• 36, Haritz Orbe (Euskadi), 7:51
• 68, Carlos Barbero (Euskadi), 16:51
• 77, Mikel Aristi (Euskadi), 18:09