Disco leads ProTour rankings

Despite all the early season wrangling between ASO and the UCI, the ProTour classification continues to exist, with Discovery Channel topping both individual and team standings after a strong showing by Vladimir Gusev and Tomas Vaitkus in the Ronde van Vlaanderen on Sunday. The pair finished fifth and sixth respectively, propelling the American squad to first place in the team standings while Alberto Contador holds onto the white jersey by virtue of his overall victory in Paris-Nice.

"I was very happy to see how well the team performed on Sunday. Going into the race I was hoping for one rider in the top 10, so to have two riders place so high was a great showing for us," said assistant directeur sportif Dirk Demol. "The team is looking great and I expect Vaitkus, Gusev and Devolder to be good for Paris-Roubaix."

Discovery boss Johan Bruyneel added: "I cannot recall a better start to the season since I have been Director. The entire team has performed better than expected and after his win at Paris-Nice it is nice that Alberto has the chance to ride in the Pro Tour leaders jersey this week."

Contador looks unlikely to extend his overall lead this week in the Vuelta Ciclista al Pais Vasco, the Spaniard is currently in 30th position overall, four minutes behind leader Juan José Cobo (Saunier Duval-Prodir).

For the full ProTour rankings, click here.