Caisse d'Epargne's Luis Leon Sanchez won his first major classic in San Sebastian today with a crafty sprint that just got him over the top of Alexandr Vinokourov and Carlos Sastre. The three had broken away on the Jaizkebel and held off a rigorous chase, led primarily by Sanchez' future teammate Robert Gesink of Rabobank. But the victory wasn't sealed until Sanchez did a long pull with 2km to go, and then started barking at Vinokourov until he got the Astana veteran to take up the lead for the final km -- and kept him there. As it was, Vino still nearly took it with a powerful sprint, so Sanchez has to thank his tactics and good fortune that Vino towed the break home. Top ten:
- Luis Leon Sanchez, Caisse d'Epargne
- Alexandr Vinokourov, Astana, s.t.
- Carlos Sastre, Cervelo, s.t.
- Haimar Zubeldia, Shack, at
- Joaquim Rodriguez, Katusha
- Ryder Hesjedal, Garmin
- Robert Gesink, Rabobank
- Nicholas Roche, AG2R
- Samuel Sanchez, Euskaltel
- Richie Porte, Saxo Bank
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