Valverde and Gesink lay low at Vuelta

The Vuelta a España's fifth stage may have seen André Greipel (Columbia-HTC) crowned as the new race leader, but for those more likely to hold the position in Madrid a fortnight from now, the stage was all about adjustment to a dramatic change in conditions. Caisse d'Epargne's Alejandro Valverde and Rabobank's Robert Gesink were two overall favourites pleased to have got through an exhausting first day in Spain.