Astana Cycling Team

photo from www.astana.lu

Today, the fourth stage of Tour of Basque Country, with a 179km route between Amurrio and Eibar.

Queen stage of the Tour of Basque Country, with the rise of seven categorized passes, including two passes of 1st category.

It's a real battle that’s played in the rise of the last pass, Alto Usartza (cat 1). Alexandre Vinokorouv, winner of yesterday's stage, has shown himself very offensive, once again "Today's stage confirms the victory yesterday, I feel better and better, the legs are there!"

7km to the finish, Andy Schleck attacked, and Alexandre Vinokourov staid in his wheel but they were surpassed by Frank Schleck and Xavier Tondo. At 3.5 km from the final, while Xavier Tondo is alone in the lead, 16 seconds ahead, Alexandre Vinokourov launches an attack, he is joined by Chris Horner, Samuel Sanchez, and other favorites, they form a group of pursuers behind Xavier Tondo "before the start this morning, I thought I could remain among the best, I have proved it during this stage," says Alexandre.

Last km, Frank Schleck lanches an ultimate attack, Alexandre goes immeditaly in his wheel "At this moment, I thought of the stage victory, but Samuel Sanchez arrived very quickly and I should have followed him immediately but I was not familiar with this finish, Sanchez, knows this place so he took correctly the left turn just before the finish. "

Finally, the Kazakh leader crosses the finish line in 3rd position at the same time as the winner Samuel Sanchez and the second Andreas Kloden. He is satisfied with this result "a difficult stage like that, it's a good test before the Classic, so I'm satisfied with my condition and feeling more confident approaching the Ardennes."

Alexandre Vinokourov was 10th overall Mainetti "Even if it is not my first goal, now that I am well placed, let’s play the general! The race will end with a time trial of 24km, it is quite long, as I have good legs actually, and I've always loved this contest, I can probably get a good result there. So why not aim for the podium! "

Pro Team Astana
Communication Department
Blandine Roquelet