Barbero wins Vuelta a Burgos opener in Romana de Clunia

Carlos Barbero (Caja Rural-RGA) claimed the opening stage of the Vuelta a Burgos after he overhauled Dani Moreno (Katusha) in the uphill sprint finish in Clunia.

The 24-year-old Barbero, winner of two stages at the Tour de Beauce earlier this season, timed his effort perfectly, sticking on Moreno’s wheel until the final 100 metres and then coming around him to take the win.

The finishing sprint was a difficult one to judge, with Miguel Angel Rubiano (Colombia) the first to strike out. When the Colombian faded, Moreno took over, seeking to replicate his victory on the opening day three years ago.

Moreno had no answer to Barbero’s turn of speed on the final kick to the line, however, and he had to settle for second place, while Jesus Herrada (Movistar) claimed third.

The Astana team was prominent in controlling affairs in the finale, but Luis Leon Sanchez could only manage 4th in the sprint, two seconds down on Barbero. Mikel Landa, part of the team’s triumvirate of Vuelta a España contenders, placed 10th on the stage.

The stage was animated by a breakaway featuring Alexis Gougeard (AG2R-La Mondiale), Egoitz García (Murias Taldea), Fabio Duarte (Colombia), Arnau Solé (Burgos BH) and Luis Mas Bonet (Caja Rural-RGA), but they were swept up ahead of the finale as Katusha and Astana set things up for the group finish.

A late effort from Jon Ander Insausti (Murias Taldea) was also snuffed out and the stage was set for the grandstand finale, where Barbero emerged to claim the win and the leader’s jersey.

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