Vaquera upsets the favoured sprinters

Image 1 of 16

Mexican rider Cesar Vaquera (Orven) broke the European dominance at Vuelta a Chihuahua to win the fifth stage. The 20-year-old claimed victory at the 142 kilometre stage’s end in Chapman over Javier Benitez (Contentpolis-AMPO) and José Antonio Carrasco (Andalucía-Cajasur)

The general classification remains unchanged, with Oscar Sevilla (Rock Racing) maintaining his six seconds lead over Gregorio Ladino (Tecos) and 1:03 minutes ahead of Rui Costa (Caisse d'Epargne). Sevilla is just one step away from the overall win, with a 118 kilometre stage from Delicias to Chihuahua all that’s standing between the Spaniard and victory.

"It was a quiet day and I thank the team as we were able to avoid any danger," said Sevilla.

The day’s stage featured a breakaway from kilometre 26, that included Francisco Pérez (Caisse d'Epargne), Antonio Aldape (Tecos), Niek Van Geffen (Rabobank), Guillaume Pont (Meitan-Hompo), Ivan Raña (Xacobeo Galicia), Antonio Piedra (Andalucia-Cajasur) and Jacob Erker (Kelly Benefit). The group claimed a maximum advantage of 2:39 minutes over the stage, until the peloton caught all but Stone and Aldape with 10 kilometres remaining.

After catching the last two riders, Javier Benitez (Contentpolis-Ampo) attempted to take the victory but came up short. "The sprint was very wild,” he said. “So I had to jump very early, and it was very long for me so I could not win. I feel bad for the team, who have worked hard, but I'm happy.”

Vaquera explained it was following Benitez’s wheel that allowed him to win. "I got on Benitez’s wheel and I managed to pass him,” he said. “It is a very important victory for me because I'm looking for a European professional team and I hope this may serve me to get it."

Results