Pereiro returns in Puertos

Oscar Pereiro (Caisse d'Epargne-Illes Balears) started racing again in the Clásica a los Puertos, which took place over a difficult 146 kilometres parcours in the sierras of Madrid and Segovia. Pereiro finished 27th at 4'05 in the race won by Ruben Plaza (Comunidad Valenciana).

"I am very satisfied with my return to competition," said Pereiro. "I had to take part in many events after the Tour, so that this morning I started with prudence and humility. In spite of the fact that I trained a lot, I had absolutely no time left to rest so that I started with apprehension. Now I dare to say that I am really pleased with my shape. On Wednesday I will fly to Málaga [for the Vuelta] and the whole team will start with the intention of getting a big result."

Pablo Lastras, who finished fourth, was also satisfied with his race. "A twelve man breakaway started at km 30 and I want with them, as was my teammate David Arroyo. As we went through the hills, we had fewer and fewer riders in the lead, and at the end we were only four for the final sprint where Rubén Plaza was faster than Jon Bru, Eladio Jiménez and myself. But I am very happy with that because after I trained and worked so hard during the last weeks, now everybody can note the result of all the sacrifices I made. I think I deserve my selection for the Tour of Spain and that makes me feel very happy."