Petacchi wins on tragic day

Petacchi: Stage winner

Also see

• Full Standings
• Team Sky site
• iPhone app
• Team Sky Facebook
• Sky Ride

Lampre's Alessandro Petacchi won stage seven of the Vuelta a España but the day was shrouded in tragedy.

Soon after Petacchi crossed the line, Team Sky reported the death of their carer Txema González, aged 43.

Their team principal Dave Brailsford said: "We are devastated to report that Txema tragically passed away on Friday evening in hospital in Seville. His close family were with him."

Team Sky's Head of Medical Dr Steve Peters explained: "Txema contracted a bacterial infection which entered the bloodstream and developed into sepsis.

"The toxins from this had damaged the organs in his body and he went into septic shock and unfortunately succumbed to that.

"I should also clarify that this bacterial infection has nothing to do with the viral infection which many of the team have suffered with in Spain, causing stomach upset."

Brailsford paid tribute to a hugely popular member of the Team Sky staff, adding: "Txema will be remembered as a warm-hearted colleague who was a joy to work with and was universally respected by our team and throughout the pro cycling scene.

"Our thoughts are with his family and friends."

Minute's silence

A minute's silence will be held in memory of González before the start of the eighth stage on Saturday.

The news put stage seven's events into stark perspective but the day had seen Petacchi got the better of Mark Cavendish in a sprint finish.

The 187.1 kilometres route from Murcia to Orihuela featured a four-man break which went clear after just 2km and were only caught with 5km remaining.

That set up the expected bunch finish and, after good work on the front of the peloton by Petacchi's Lampre team, the Italian committed first with around 300 metres remaining.

HTC-Columbia's Cavendish looked to be in position to pounce past but he just got a little tight for room in the closing stages as the spoils went to Petacchi, winner of the points classification at this year's Tour de France. Juan José Haedo (Saxo Bank) completed the podium positions in third.

"My team worked very well leading me to the finish today and I just put my head down and went for the win," said Petacchi afterwards.

The circuitous route, which featured just the one ranked climb - the third category Alto de Puerto de Hondón de los Frailes - always looked like being one for the sprinters and so it proved.

And with the field finishing together it means that Philippe Gilbert (Omega Pharma - Lotto), who crossed the line in tenth, remains in the leader's red jersey heading into Saturday's eighth stage which sees the riders cover 190km from Villena to Xorret de Catí.