Ubeto sprints to stage win, overall lead

Venezuela's Miguel Ubeto (Gob Carabobo Trasporte Eliang Plastipack) sprinted to victory in stage two of the Vuelta al Tachira, winning a massive field sprint into Santa Barbara de Barina. The stage win was the second in a row for the Gobernación de Carabobo team, which won the opening team time trial on Wednesday.

Ubeto moves into the race lead previously held by teammate Jose Chacon.

"I defended the interests of my team. I knew I could win the final sprint and it was great because I overcame one of the best riders, Gil Cordovez," said Ubeto who earned his fourth career stage win in the Vuelta al Tachira in seven starts.

Ubeto, fourth in the 2000 Moscow Track World Cup and winner of 15 national championships on the track, dedicated his victory to his sponsors and his grandmother who is experiencing health problems. "I still have plans to win other stages," said Ubeto, twice runner-up in the Tour of Guadeloupe (2008 - 2009) and a second place finisher in the Tour of the Dominican Republic.

Friday's third stage will run between the towns of Abejales and Guasdualito, a distance of 162.3 kilometres. Riders will contest four sprints, two with time bonuses and two with points. The completely flat stage favors the sprinters for the second straight day with a field sprint the likely outcome for stage honours.