The Profile

We have a strong team here for a possible Top 5 finish. The race will probably end in a reduced bunch sprint which is way our punchers are here, while Esteban and I are here if it's more selective.

Virgilijus Grazhys: Our boy is the bookies' favourite, so hopefully he can deliver.



Carlos Betancur & Edvald Boasson Hagen: Two other top punchers, but Betancur will need a selective race and EBH might struggle on the hills.



Phillipe Gilbert: The World Champion hasn't been stellar this season, and we are yet to see how he will actually do.

The break was a large one - 13 riders, and Valencia for us.


On the 2nd big climb, Sky and Saxo were setting a really hot pace. It was really hard to stay up front.


Just before the last relatively big hill, with 30km to go, Valverde went for a move. Could he hold on?


As the break was caught, attacks came from Vanendert, Boasson Hagen and Van den Broeck. I was keeping with them but Esteban couldn't stay in front of me.


I rode away on the downhill, with 20 kilometres to go.


I was joined by some other favourites as the now heavily reduced peloton caught the bottom half of the break.


My group caught the rest of the break and the earlier attackers with 12.5km left.


Betancur and Uran tried their luck with 10km left. I was leading the front group, while Jarlinson was protecting Grazhys behind.


With 5km to go the gap was 33 seconds. There was still a small chance.


However the catch was made with 3.5km left. Our sprinters were hurrying up to the front on the right hand side of the road. Meanwhile, I was making a move, and was still holding off the bunch.


I went for the early sprint but just ended up following Gilbert. He was also going for a long one, but was pulling ahead.


The boys started from behind, and Pantano's leadout wasn't enough for Vigilijus, who went quite early.


He passed me under the kite. Could he make a miracle?


And he passed Wellens just 100m out! Yes!


And he could raise his arms in victory! Virgilijus Grazhys with his first win and it comes in the Basque Country! Great job!


A great day for the team as I (on the right) also finished 10th. Beautiful, but now my attention turns to Getxo, where I will try to defend my title.

We come in with a strong team, all looking to help me defend my title. I will take Virgilijus' wheel and sprint just after him, and hopefully everything goes to plan.