SORIA, 7 September 2004 — Spaniard Alejandro Valverde threw down the gauntlet to the other contenders for this year’s Tour of Spain by claiming a powerful sprint win in yesterday’s third stage between Burgos and Soria.
The 24-year-old was the fastest of a group of 11 riders that gained a few seconds advantage on a three km long unclassified final climb through the streets of the destination town.
Fourth in line as the 11 roared into the finishing straight, Valverde’s final acceleration put him several bike lengths clear of Australian Olympic gold medalist Stuart O’Grady of Cofidis. The rider from Las Lumbreras in the Murcia province of Spain clocked a time of three hours 43 minutes and 17 seconds in the 157.1 km stage for his 15th win of the season.
“The team discussed our chances at the start today and realized that if the bunch was together at the foot of the climb I’d have a good opportunity.” Valverde said.
Third in the 2003 Tour of Spain, where he won two stages, Valverde added: “I could win overall this year but it will depend on how I get through the mountains.”
“The more stages I take, the better my chances. But there are some big names out there who want the win too, like (Spaniard) Joseba Beloki and (Kazakh Alexandre) Vinokourov.”
Asked if he would prefer to win next month’s world road championship in Italy, after finishing second last year, or the Tour of Spain, the CV-Kelme rider said: “Either would be good”.
Other favorites in the front group of 11 included Russian Denis Menchov of Illes Balears, who placed third, as well as the Spaniards Roberto Heras, Francisco Mancebo and Aitor Gonzalez, Italian Damiano Cunego and T-Mobile’s Vinokourov.
US favorite Tyler Hamilton of Phonak finished in a small group four seconds behind, while his Spanish team mate Oscar Sevilla was a further 15 seconds adrift in the main bunch.
US Postal’s Benoit Joachim of Luxembourg took over from his Dutch teammate Max Van Heeswijk as race leader after taking part in the four-man break of the day.
Joachim picked up 18 seconds in time bonuses during the 101 km break, giving him a 16 second advantage over second-placed Van Heeswijk on general classification.
The first rider from Luxembourg ever to lead the Tour of Spain said he was “disappointed not to have been selected by Postal to ride for the Tour (de France) but taking the maillot de oro here in Spain more than makes up for it.
