MADRID, Feb 18, 2013 (AFP) – Frenchman Jonathan Hivert won the first stage
of the Tour of Andalusia on Monday, a 164km ride from San Fernando to Ubrique.
The 27-year-old – who is in top form having won France’s first professional
race of the season the Etoile de Besseges in early February – prevailed in a
sprint finish ahead of Spaniard Alejandro Valverde and Dutchman Bauke Mollema.
Movistar rider Valverde retained the overall lead, holding a seven second
advantage over Belgium’s Jurgen Van den Broeck and Mollema, who is a further
four seconds back, after the Spaniard won Sunday’s prologue.
Hivert is eighth overall and 25secs off the lead.
Tuesday’s second stage is the 194km ride from Trebujena to Montilla.
Results from the first stage of the Tour of
Andalusia, a 164km ride from San Fernando to Ubrique on Monday:
Stage
1. Jonathan Hivert (FRA/Sojasun) 4hr 06min 36sec, 2. Alejandro Valverde
(ESP) s.t., 3. Bauke Mollema (NED) s.t, 4. Simone Ponzi (ITA) 3 secs, 5.
Davide Rebellin (ITA) s.t.
Overall
1. Alejandro Valverde (ESP/Movistar) 4hr 13min 22sec, 2. Jurgen Van den
Broeck (BEL) at 7 sec, 3. Bauke Mollema (NED) 11, 4. Simon Spilak
(SLO/Katusha) 12, 5. Bart De Clerq (BEL) 17
