Chacón takes first leader's jersey

José Rujano’s Gobernación del Zulia team took third place in the 14.2km team time trial that opened the 45th edition of the Vuelta al Táchira on Wednesday. The two-time Táchira winner’s team finished nine seconds down on another Venezuelan squad, Gobernación de Carabobo. José Chacón from the Carabobo team took the race’s first leader’s jersey.

Of the likely challengers to Rujano for the overall title, defending champion Roland González was the best placed. His Lotería del Táchira team finished five seconds down on the Carabobo quintet. However, most of the likely challengers from Colombia fared less well. Best placed of them was 2009 America Tour winner Gregorio Ladino, who ended the day 21 seconds down on Rujano.