RACE REPORTS: TONDO TAKES PROLOGUE WIN AT RUTA DEL SOL

SEARCH:

SURVEY
SUBSCRIBE
Current Issue
Advertise
Contact
Digital Issue
Preview

RACE REPORTS: TONDO TAKES PROLOGUE WIN AT RUTA DEL SOL
Road Bike Action & AFP
February 15, 2009

Tondo wins in Argentina
(Photo: Roberto Bettini)

The 55th edition of the Vuelta a Andalucia-Ruta Ciclista del Sol got underway on a warm, sunny Sunday with a 7km time trial on the streets of the city of Jaén, the hometown of former pro rider Manuel "Triki" Beltran. 30 year old Spaniard Xavier Tondo, riding for local team Andalucia-Cajasur rode to a surprise win in Jaén and donned the red Ruta del Sol's leader’s jersey. In 208, Tondo won the tough Vuelta a Asturias and Subida al Naranco and today was Tondo's second win of 2009, as the lanky Catalan climber had already taken a victory atop Mount Merlo in Stage 5 of the Tour of San Luis in Argentina last month.

Second was tall Dutchman Joost Posthuma (Rabobank), while Milram's youngster Martin Velits from Slovakia was third. Australian Cadel Evans (Silence-Lotto) in his first race of the 2009 season was 46th, :29" behind Tondo. Monday's Stage 1 of the 55th edition of the Vuelta a Andalucia-Ruta Ciclista del Sol is a 169km race from La Guardia de Jaén to Humilladero.

55th Vuelta a Andalucia-Ruta Ciclista del Sol
Prologue / 7km
1. Xavier Tondo (Andalucía) 8'31"
2. Joost Posthuma (Rabobank) @ :01"
3. Martin Velits (Milram) @ :03"

General Classification:
1. Xavier Tondo (Andalucía) 8'31"
2. Joost Posthuma (Rabobank) @ :01"
3. Martin Velits (Milram) @ :03"

RELATED STORIES


	•Racy Language: Phinney In Pink! Taylor does the deed and makes America proud!...

•A Thrilling Amstel Gold Race

•Racy Language: Paris Roubaix Redux

•Tom Boonen Stuns, But Doesn't Surprise

•Being There: Wrapping Up The Tour of Flanders

•Tour of Flanders: Three Time Charmer

•Being There: The Flanders Preview