Castilla y Leon: Bilbao wins opening stage in Alba de Tormes

Caja Rural-Seguros RGA rider Pello Bilbao won the opening stage at the Vuelta a Castilla y Leon on Friday in Alba de Tormes. The Spaniard won a sprint to the finish line ahead of compatriots Enrique Sanz of Movistar and his Caja Rural teammate Carlos Barbero Cuesta. 

"It [the win] is a point of trust, and proof that I can get wins in different situations, mass arrivals," Bilbao said. "It gives me confidence to try other times and also gives morale to the team, it is important."

Bilbao dedicated the stage win to his team, saying that, "We have had a difficult start, especially those who are still suffering from injuries and falls, and especially Sergio Pardilla, who I hope will be happy for the team's victory."

Bilbao is now leading the overall classification by four seconds ahead of Sanz and six seconds ahead of Carlos Barbero Cuesta. He is also leading the points classification, his teammate José Gonçalves is leading the mountain competition and Caja Rural is leading the team classification.

Stage 2, on Satruday, will be a 208km race from Guarda to Fuentes de Oñoro.

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