Trofimov takes second stage

Russian Yury Trofimov of the Bbox-Bouygues Telecom team won the second stage of the Tour of the Basque Country.

Spaniard Sanchez retains overall lead after finishing in peleton

A late solo breakaway sealed Yury Trofimov victory in the second stage of the Tour of the Basque Country. The Russian, who rides for the Bbox-Bouygues Telecom team, dropped Rein Taaramae with 2.5km to go after the pair had broken away from the field. Estonian Taaramae ended up having to settle for second with Ben Swift taking third place, the Brit 70 seconds back at the front of the peleton. "I didn't want to try to win this in a sprint against another rider because I'm not good at it," said Trofimov.

Delighted

"We'd worked together with two other riders in a break for most of the day. Finally, I dropped Taaramae on a climb before the finish and then again close to the line. "It all worked out perfectly. The Tour of the Basque Country is a very difficult race and I'm delighted I could win." Luis Leon Sanchez retains the overall lead having won the opening stage on Monday, though he is tied for time with his nearest rivals. The Spaniard came home in fifth at the end of the 164km ride from Ataun to Villatuerta which included six tricky climbs. The tour continues with Wednesday's 172.5 km stage, the longest and toughest of the six-day race. The conclsion comes on Saturday with a 24-km time trial in Zalla. Stage Two result:
1. Yury Trofimov (Russia / Bbox - Bouygues ) 4 hrs 12 mins 45 secs
2. Rein Taaramae (Estonia / Cofidis ) +5 secs
3. Ben Swift (Britain / Katusha ) +1:10"
4. Michael Albasini (Switzerland / Columbia ) "
5. Luis Leon Sanchez (Spain / Caisse d'Epargne ) " Overall standings:
1. Luis Leon Sanchez (Spain / Caisse d'Epargne ) 7hrs 42 mins 39 secs
2. Alexandr Kolobnev (Russia / Saxo Bank ) "
3. Jerome Pineau (France / Quick-Step ) "
4. Christian Knees (Germany / Milram ) "
5. Samuel Sanchez (Spain / Euskaltel ) "