Alessandro Ballan of Lampre Wins Tour of Spain Seventh Stage
Italian Alessandro Ballan of Lampre won Saturday’s seventh stage of the Tour of Spain, a 223.2 km ride from Barbastro to La Rabassa in Andorra, to take the overall lead as the peleton moved into the mountains.
Riders had to negotiate not just the climbs but the unseasonably inclement weather as rain fell persistently amid the foggy and cold conditions going into Andorra.
“It’s the first time that I have led in a major race,” said Ballan. “I dedicate this win to my little daughter who was born on August 11.”
Spanish star Alberto Contador, one of the favourites, snatched back a few seconds on compatriot and rival Carlos Sastre, the Tour de France winner, and almost a minute on another would-be winner Alejandro Valverde.
But Frenchman Sylvain Chavanel, leader going into the stage, struggled and finished up more than three minutes off the pace.
Just as in the Tour de France, Valverde suffered in the mountains and lost almost a minute on Contador who is fourth overall, 1min 34sec off the pace of the leader.
“I am very happy with the result,” said Contador. “It was pretty tough out there so we had to make sure we ate and drank a lot.”
Sastre, who lost 13 seconds on Contador and is now sixth overall, said: “It was the first day in the mountains and I had some doubts. But I have to be positive. I lost some important seconds but nothing crucial.”
“It was a very difficult day with a big drop in temperature and the rain which stayed with us for all of the stage.”
Photo’s by: Corvos Pro
Categories: Features, Races, Team Lampre, tour of spain
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