The season has ended and now only the national championships are left. This might be the last time we see some of these riders in their team shirts. In the rankings, Valverde was the best Spanish rider. Will he also be the best here?
He is certainly one of the favorites, the others being Contador and Intxausti. Who will be the best after climbing the mythical Angliru 8 times?
We got 3 early attackers. Vicioso, Herrero Llorente and Galdos. Galdos gets dropped immediately though.
On the second climb, Perez Sanchez attacks out of the pack. At the top, he already has a 7 minute lead on the pack, but he's solo.
Next climb, and Tenorio goes for it. He easily catches the other breakaway riders, but can't get closer to Perez Sanchez. At the top of the 4th climb, Perez Sanchez is 6 minutes in front of Tenorio. Tenorio is 14 minutes in front of the pack.
A few riders sense the danger, and attack from the pack. L.L Sanchez, Gil, Cobo, Mercado, Astarloza and Rodriguez. Gil opens up a gap though and goes solo.
At the fifth top, Gil has caught Vicioso. He's still 10 minutes behind Tenorio though.
In the peleton, Madrazo has accelerated. But with about 20 minutes between the first and Madrazo, it is probably to late. We are already over the half.
Penultimate climb, and it's over with Perez Sanchez. he's completely dead. Tenorio closed a gap of 4 minutes on 1.5k.
In the peleton, Intxausti attacks for a far honor place. he quickly catches Madrazo and leaves him behind.
With 1km to go on the penultimate climb, Tenorio is out of energy as well! He has big time troubles. Gil is about 5 minutes behind, but still the final climb to come.
And yes, on the final climb, Gil is closing in fast on Tenorio. Gil himself has a 6 minute lead on Mercado. So if Tenorio doesn't make it, Gil will!
Meanwhile, the peleton is only 8 riders big. The favorites. They failed.
Gil catches Tenorio.
Gil wins in a very strange race. Still a very deserving win though.
In the closing km, Tenerio also gets caught by Mercado.
Same case with early attacker, Perez Sanchez. He gets passed by Intxausti and Contador. That's 9 minutes behind Koldo Gil though.
After Gil won the road race, it's time for the time-trial. Revenge for anyone of the riders who failed at the road race?
The favorites are Tenorio, Plaza and Intxausti.
One of the first starters, Tendoro puts up a good time. 1h03'58".
He quickly gets overruled by Abal though, he goes 1'07" faster! What a time.
Madrazo goes 1'09" slower then Abal.
Valverde puts down a good TT. 56" slower.
Castano a few seconds faster as Abal at the first intermediate, but loses about 55 seconds on the second part. 49" slower then Abal.
Gutierrez goes 50 seconds slower. A provisional 3th place.
Perez Sanchez disappoints. 1'12" seconds slower as Abal. Still tired from the road race?
Here comes one of the favorites; Intxausti. The young Vesuvio rider disappoints big time. Going 1'17" slower.
Plaza, puts a good first time, 15 seconds faster then Abal. Abal has ridden a very good second part though, as Plaza breaks and finishes 24" slower.
Tenorio fails as well, 1'14" down.
Last change, can Contador do it? First intermediate he's 5" slower then Plaza, but at the second intermediate he's already 25" behind Abal. He eventually finishes 57" down. Abal takes it! This will certainly up his price next year, as he is becoming a free agent.
