Jose Ivan Gutierrez (Caisse d'Epargne) (Image credit: Luc Claessen)
After the Giro d'Italia's first stage, the Caisse d'Epargne-Illes Balears team found itself with two riders in the top 10 of the general classification: Francisco Pérez (6th) José Iván Gutiérrez (7th). Gutiérrez was one of the favourites before the race, but he described himself as not too disappointed with his final placing.
"I was feeling very good but I knew Savoldelli was very strong, most of all after he won the prologue in the Tour of Romandy. Maybe I could do a little better in the climb, but anyway Savoldelli did so well today that it was just impossible to beat him. Many riders could be on the podium today, but only one could go for the win."
Pérez's performance was a good result for the team, while Vladimir Efimkin crashed in the last corner and finished 1'15 behind the winner.
