Azanza launches another offensive

Jorge Azanza seems intent on cashing in on his post-Giro d'Italia form. For the third time in five days at the Tour de Suisse, the 30-year-old went on the attack.

The 176,2-kilometre ride from Buochs to Leuggern was earmarked for the sprinters, but that didn't prevent him from trying to grab what would have been his very first professional victory.

On the last climb of the day with less than 15 clicks to go, the veteran broke clear of the pack and crested the Zurzibergstr solo. IAM, hoping to set up Heinrich Haussler for the sprint, weren't best pleased to see him off the front, though, and he was duly reeled in with some 10 kilometres left to ride.

Norwegian Alexander Kristoff eventually prevailed in the mass gallop, besting Peter Sagan and Arnaud Démare to the line.

Robert Vrecer successfully defended his climber's jersey.

Results:

• (1, Alexander Kristoff (Katusha), 4:08:29)
• 25, Igor Antón, s.t.
• 30, Adrián Sáez, s.t.
• 39, Jorge Azanza, s.t.
• 44, Gorka Verdugo, s.t.
• 64, Juan José Oroz, s.t.
• 101, Ion Izagirre, 0:41
• 130, Robert Vrecer, 6:35
• 136, Ricardo Mestre, 8:51

Photo: Euskaltel Euskadi