Nieve - I'm very happy so far

Mikel Nieve stayed with the leaders and climbed on GC on the Tour's second day in the mountains on Sunday.

The Grand Tour specialist came across the line in 16th place after a strong day in the saddle that saw him launch some promising if short-lived attacks on the final climb.

"I'm very pleased with my performances in this Tour", he said after rising to 11th overall. "We got through the first week without trouble and in the mountain stages I've been better than I thought I would be".

If Nieve had an encouraging day on the bike, Igor Antón did not.

The erratic climber tried to go with a few early moves, and had to let go of the pack on the very last climb. He eventually came across the line in 26th place alongside an improving Ion Izagirre almost four minutes back.

Both of them, as well as Gorka, were among the attacks at the frantic start to the stage, but, just like yesterday, the team missed out on the break in the Pyrenees.

Going into the rest day, Antón is 19th on GC.

Results:

• (1, Daniel Martin (Garmin-Sharp), 4:43:03)
• 16, Mikel Nieve, 0:20
• 25, Ion Izagirre, 3:54
• 26, Igor Antón, s.t.
• 43, Mikel Astarloza, 11:38
• 44, Juan José Oroz, s.t.
• 119, Romain Sicard, 25:12
• 173, Juan José Lobato, 26:10
• 174, Rubén Pérez, s.t.
• 181, Gorka Izagirre, s.t.

Photo: BCPT