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Vuelta a Murcia Report
Stage 1: San Pedro del Pinatar - San Pedro del Pinatar, 166km
Endura Racing had a great day on the opening stage of the Vuelta a Murcia in southern Spain. Alexandre Blain took the Meta Volantes (intermediate sprint) jersey and Ian Wilkinson scored a top 10 finish.
Rolling off under a lovely blue sky, it didn't take long before Alexandre made the running in an early break at the 11km mark with Danny Pate (Garmin - Transition. They were soon joined by Lieuwe Westra (Vacansoleil) and Rubén Reig (Caja Rural) and the foursome managed to pull out a quick advantage, gaining a five minute advantage over the next 15 km.
Behind, the peloton was being driven by the Rabobank and Cervelo squads and the escapees lead was eaten into until it fell to under three minutes.
The break pushed on over the Alto de La Cuesta, the first of the day's three categorised climbs maintaining their advnatage. Alexandre sprinted for the points, but was overhauled by Westra. As the break headed towards the intermediate sprint at Cartagena the pace lifted and Alexandre took it in a tight finish to claim both the sprint and the Meta Volantes jersey.
Rabobank and Cervelo were pushing hard at the front on the final climb and as the race descended back to the coastline, the breakaway's day was done and they were overhauled by a charging peloton.
With a strong tailwind and a flat finish, it was a day for the sprinters. Robbie Hunter (Garmin - Transitions) took the win and to top an already fine day for Endura Racing, Ian Wilkinson came home in tenth. Alexandre held on to the leaders to take 16th place.
After the stage, Alexandre spoke with Anthony McCrossan of Cyclevox and said of his day:
I decided with the wind and the climbs today that I would go on the attack. I wanted the Meta Volantes jersey and I took that today. I am pleased; it shows that we are not just here for show but that we came to race. This is good for the Endura Racing Team. I am very pleased.
Tomorrow's stage takes in 155km of mountainous terrain between Calasparra and Caravaca de la Cruz including two 1st category climbs.
VIEW RESULTS
03/03/2010