Bagües makes his mark in China

Equipo Euskadi closed out the Tour of China I on a high on Friday.

Young hopeful Aritz Bagües claimed fifth on the sixth and final stage, having featured in a late-race move that was only brought to a halt inside the last click. His fifth on the stage was enough to secure him fifth overall as well, topping off a day that also saw the team come away with the best team prize overall.

"The team has worked well together and we've achieved top results", a pleased Fundación Ciclista Euskadi president Miguel Madariaga told the team's website. "This has been a big step forward for the foundation", he added of the team's maiden foray into Asian racing.

The eight-day Tour of China II commences this Monday, and the team will field the same riders.

Photo: Iñaki Azanza