Danish cyclist Nicki Sorenson won the last mountainous stage in the Vuelta a Espana bicycle race, barely out-sprinting a three-man contest for the finish line in Avila on Thursday.
Sorenson, cycling for CSC, Javier Rodriguez (Comunidad Valenciana) and Jose Acosta (Illes Balears) were the remnants of a 17-man breakaway early in the 122-mile race that featured one steep Category 1 climb and three Category 2 mountains, according to the live report at CyclingNews.
Acosta attacked and led the field, until Sorenson and Rodriguez caught up and passed him about 14 miles from the finish. But Acosta challenged all the way to the end but blew up on the final sprint, finished 22 seconds back of Sorenson and Rodriguez, who finished 1st and 2nd.
The top overall standings didn't change, as Roberto Heras (Liberty Seguros) is on his way for his record-setting fourth Vuelta a Espana bicycle championship on Sunday. American cyclist Tom Danielson remainied the highest ranked US rider, sitting 9th overall. Full race results are available at CyclingNews.
Meanwhile, Spanish cyclist Santos Gonzalez was held back from starting on Thursday by Phonak team officials, who said he some measurements higher than those allowed by the team. Said team manager John Lalangue:
“The values we have are lower than those permitted in health checks by the UCI. Santos is not suspended, he just has to stop cycling for now.”
Last year, US cyclist Tyler Hamilton tested positive for blood transfusions while cycling in the Vuelta for Phonak. He is appealing his 2-year suspension from cycling.
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