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ORIO, Spain, April 11, 2008 (AFP) - Italy’s Damiano Cunego, riding for
Lampre, won Friday’s penultimate fifth stage of the Tour of the Basque
Country, a 162km run between Vitoria and Orio.

Spain’s Alberto Contador crossed the line in second in the same time as
Cunego to retain the overall lead he’s held since the first stage.

Cunego lies second, eight seconds adrift.

The day’s ride was held in hostile weather and was marked by numerous falls
just before the finish triggered by a near-the-line collision between Ricardo
Ricco and David Herrero.

Saturday’s sixth and final stage is an individual 20km time trial in Orio.

Tour of Basque Country results

ORIO, Spain, April 11, 2008 (AFP) - Results of the 162km fifth stage of the
Tour of the Basque Country from Vitoria-Gasteiz to here on Friday:

5th stage
1. Damiano Cunego (ITA/LAM) 4h 02min 48sec,
2. Alberto Contador (ESP/AST) at 0:00,
3. Thomas Dekker (NED/RAB) 0:05,
4. Kim Kirchen (LUX/THR) 0:05,
5. Davide Rebellin (ITA/GST) 0:05,
6. Joaquin Rodriguez (ESP/GCE) 0:05,
7. Ezequiel Mosquera Miguez (ESP/KGZ) 0:16,
8. Maxime Monfort (BEL/COF) 0:16,
9. Mikel Astarloza (ESP/EUS) 0:20,
10. Igor Anton (ESP/EUS) 0:22,
11. Chris Horner (USA/AST) 0:22,
12. Sandy Casar (FRA/FDJ) 0:26

Overall standings
1. Alberto Contador (ESP/Astana) 20hr 34min 49sec,
2. Damiano Cunego (ITA) at 08s,
3. Kim Kirchen (LUX) 13,
4. Davide Rebellin (ITA) 13,
5. Thomas Dekker (NED) 13,
6. Ezequiel Mosquera (ESP) 19,
7. Maxime Monfort (BEL) 24,
8. Mikel Astarloza (ESP) 30,
9. Igor Anton (ESP) 30,
10. Cadel Evans (AUS) 35.