Commentaire:

This transition stage between Granada and Cordoba was seen as a possible sprinters' platform in which Zabel & Petacchi could continue their duel, or more likely, as an outsiders' stage that could be taken by any number of riders. One contender mentioned was Valverde, who is highly motivated in this tour and strong in all the disciplines, and has been in extremely good form. The major part of this course is quite flat, but the racers must pass the 6km long Alto de San Jeronimo, a 2nd category ascent that begins 18km from the finish line. Thus, the eventual winner of the stage needs to be a good climber as well as a capable sprinter.

The peloton set out at a brisk pace, averaging 47 km/h during the first hour. Escapees were strictly monitered in this course, and none were allowed to get more than a minute in front.

Having passed the city of Espejo, with just 7km remaining before the day's big climb, the last group of 4 escapees was safely brought back in.

In the early moments of the ascent of the Alto de San Jeronimo, Team Telecom controlled the peloton; on one managed to get far out front.

Then, as Frigo & Petacchi were struggling and being distanced at the back of the peloton, David Millar launcned a precision attack, quickly putting him a few dozen meters out in front.

Mercado responded, followed by Martinez; they rejoined Millar out in front to lead the peloton by several seconds.

As Sevilla attacked from the peleton, followed in turn by U. Osa & Rasmussen, Millar turned on the heat and quickly detatched himself from Mercado & Martinez.

The pattern, at 3km from the summit was set:

Millar was in front, followed by a pursuit group, followed by the peloton, which itself was becoming spread out.

Millar had, at this point, a 12" lead on the group and a 36" lead on the peloton. Although obviously tiring, Millar held his form in the ascent and in fact continued to widen the gap on all of his pursuers.

On the descent, with 12km to go, Millar shifted into his big bracket and rode like a man possessed, using his finely honed time trial skills to cut the corners to the limit, and accelerating in the straightaways with a machine-like regularity.

As he negociated the wide avenues of Cordoba, Millar was clocking 64 km/h, and contiued to put more distance between himself and his pursuers.

He crossed the finish line with a margin of 36" on the pursuit group and of 41" on the peloton, for his first victory on the line this season. This no doubt makes up for his two 2nd place time trial finishes in this year's Vuelta, but also confirms Millar as a force to be reckoned with outside of his chosen speciality.

Le classement de l'étape

1 - David Millar
2 - A Martinez à 36"
3 - Sevilla à 36"
4 - Unai Osa à 36"
5 - Rasmussen à 36"
6 - Zabel
7 - Rodriguez fred
8 - Edo
9 - Boonen
10 - Lombardi

Petacchi a été laché avec frigo dans le dernier Alto, l'Alto de Geronimo. La fassa Bortolo avait annoncé que Petacchi ne disputerait pas le sprint

Le classement général

1 - NOZAL
2 - GLEZ de GALDEANO à 3'03"
3 - HERAS à 3'09"
4 - BELTRAN à 5'16"
5 - VALVERDE à 5'20"
6 - MANCEBO à 6'27"
7 - RASMUSSEN 7'29"
8 - PEREZ 8'51"
9 - OSA
10 - CARDENAS

Le classement par points

1- ZABEL 145
2 - PETACCHI 130
3 - VALVERDE 125
4 - CARDENAS 97
5 - NOZAL 92

Le classement des grimpeurs

1 - CARDENAS 194
2 - OSA unai 112
3 - HORRACH 101
4 - VALVERDE 88
5 - PEREZ 72

Le classement du combiné

1 - VALVERDE
2 - CARDENAS
3 - RASMUSSEN

le classement par équipes

1 - ONCE
2 - IBANESTO
3 - KELME