Menchov wins Vuelta, last stage for Bennati
By Jonathan Roorda
Sun, 23 Sep 2007 17:36:38
MADRID, Sep 23 (CP) - The 2007 edition of the Vuelta a España has been won by Russian Denis Menchov of Rabobank. Italian Daniele Bennati took the victory in the final stage.
The course traditionally led to Spain's capital city Madrid, with start in Rivas Vaciamadrid. The total length on the final day was just 100 kilometers.
As usual, not much happened during the last stage, and no attacks were launched while the riders enjoyed their achievement, having finished this Grand Tour.
The sprinters' teams did start their work in the finale. Milram and Lampre controlled the peloton in order to prevent late attacks.
At the finish, it was once again an Italian battle as Daniele Bennati earned his third victory, just ahead of Alessandro Petacchi.
Denis Menchov finished without difficulties and the Russian wins the Spanish race for the second time in his career.
This time, the Rabobank leader will have better memories as his 2005 victory was given to him after the race, when Roberto Heras tested positive.
The first home rider, Carlos Sastre, finishes second at 3'31" from the winner, and Samuel Sánchez completes the final podium at 3'46".
Cadel Evans and Ezequiel Mosquera occupy the fourth and fifth spots respectively.
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