Intxausti heads Euskaltel one-two in time trial

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Beñat Intxausti Elorriaga (Euskaltel - Euskadi) earned his first professional victory today, stopping the clock in 17:06 to win the Vuelta Asturias stage 3b time trial. The 24-year-old Basque's win also put the Euskaltel rider into the race lead by four seconds over previous GC leader Angel Vicioso Arcos (Andalucia - Cajasur) who finished in third place, 19 seconds behind Intxausti. Euskaltel's Jonathan Castroviejo placed second on the stage, 17 seconds off the pace.

"I dedicate this victory to the team and my family, and of course my girlfriend who helps me a lot. This victory is for them," said Intxausti.

"I've always been good in time trials, but it's one thing as an amateur and another with the professionals," said Intxausti. "This season I've already made two good time trials, with two fifths at Criterium International and Tour of the Basque Country.

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"I had a good feeling and Castroviejo's splits were good to know. Although the course was not the most ideal for me, I had a good time. Getting the lead has been a great joy in my first win as a professional and I am very happy. I'll always remember this day.

"The aim is to defend the lead. We must be ambitious but also sensible and be calm while we play our options."

Tomorrow the peloton faces the penultimate stage of the Vuelta Asturias, 168.8 kilometres from Cafés Toscaf to Alto del Acebo culminating with a mountain top finish.