Weather:
Sunny with some clouds, no rain likely

Wind:
Very light and inconsequential

Temperature:
Between 23 &27° C

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Commentaire:

Today's stage was relatively short, at 150km, and relatively flat--but very tiring with its many interspesed hills and false plateaeus. It was a day filled with activity in front of the peloton (although not by the major contenders), with attacks, escapes and groupings regroupings too numerous to recount.

Unlike on most of the previous stages, though, the escape groups were never entirely reeled back by the peloton, even though their leads never got much over 3 minutes.

The most important action of the day occured when Diaz Lobato of Patertina attacked from the lead group with 18km remaining. He gradually distanced himself from the group to the point where, with less than 12km to go, he held a 26" advantage on them and 2'30" on the peloton. A victory looked likely.

As he passed over the last hills and negociated the roundabouts leading into Las Rozas, Lobato kept increasing his lead, ultimately to 58". During the last kilometer, as he was assured of his victory, he let up off his pace and seemed to relax to savor the moment and the crowds.

Although 30 years old, Lobato started late and only turned pro in 1999. This is his 3rd but most important major victory.

The overall standings haven't changed, with Nozal still holding a comfortable lead of over 3 minutes on Galdeano & Heras. Nozal may well feel more threatened after tomorrow's race, however, which enters the mountains and includes two 1st category climbs.

Zabel gained 1 more point in the sprints competition today, at the expense of his rival Petacchi. With 16 points now seperating the two, it could all be played out in the streets of Madrid Sunday where a win is worth 25 points.

Le classement de l'étape

1 - LOBATO
2 - ZABALLA à 44"
3 - ARRIETA même temps
4 - SCHWEDA même temps
5 - GARCIA ACOSTA même temps
6 - ISASI même temps
7 - HORRACH même temps
8 - LAGUNA même temps
9 - QUESADA même temps
10 - ZABEL à 58"
11 - PETACCHI même temps

le Général reste inchangé

1 - NOZAL

le classement des grimpeurs

1 - Cardenas 194
2 - Osa 112
3 - Horrach 101
4 - Valverde 88
5 - Perez 72

Le classement des points
1 - ZABEL 151
2 - Petacchi 135
3 - Valverde 125
4 - Cardeans 97
5 - Nozal 92

Le classement du Combiné

1 - Valverde 12
2 - Cardenas 15
3 - Rasmussen 20
4 - Nozal 21
5 - Perez 24