Burgos: Sanchez Comes Through

Samuel Sanchez continued his impressive season by locking up yet another title, yet it was far from easy. Sanchez, who started the day 22 seconds behind and in 9th place in the GC, certainly had his work cut out in the difficult final stage. Sanchez joined a select group of contenders and then they one by one began to crack. Eventually, the only 2 left were Sanchez and Ezequiel Mosquera.

The two worked together long enough to make sure that they had enough of a buffer on the rest of the field, and then the games began. They both knew that this two man showdown would decide not only the final stage, but the entire race. Mosquera was ahead at the end of the final climb leading up to the finish, and then Sanchez made his move. It wasn't even a sprint, as much as just one final huge burst of speed and he kept the tempo across the line for a title in his first major event since the Tour. Mosquera did get himself onto the podium with his 2nd place finish, and Vincenzo Nibali rounded out the top 3. This was a solid win for Sanchez, who has become a mainstay at the top of the cycling world since his Olympic gold medal in 2008. Sanchez also won the points competition, because this was his 2nd win of the event.

Final Podium

1. Samuel Sanchez

2. Ezequiel Mosquera -1

3. Vincenzo Nibali -21

Points

Samuel Sanchez

King of the Mountains

Jose Toribo

Team Winner

Liquigas