Rock races on in Orizaba

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With Francisco Mancebo already in the leader's jersey, Rock Racing had further reason to celebrate in Orizaba, Veracruz, as Ignacio Sarabia took stage three for the American squad following a late-race attack after an escape quintet had gone clear.

The 2009 Pan American Madison champion on the track, Sarabia showed superior speed and tactics in the finale to outclass his breakaway companions and justify his inclusion in a squad boasting the likes of Mancebo, Oscar Sevilla and kiwi workhorse Glen Chadwick.

The 26-year-old Mexican attacked the quintet about 20km from the finish and reaped the rewards of his audacious move. "The last 13 kilometres or so I was among the five riders who broke away; I felt strong because they had worked hard during the stage as the team controlled [the pace] well, and because I felt strong I decided to attack and everything went well," said Sarabia.

His teammate and overall leader, Mancebo, finished the day in sixth and was composed after the finish, reiterating the team's goals for the event. "As we have shown we want to win the tour, our goal is to win in most stages and fight for the general with [Oscar] Sevilla, [Ignacio] Sarabia, or myself," he said.

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