Horner times it to perfection

RadioShack's Chris Horner edged out Alejandro Valverde to win the Vuelta Ciclista al Pais Vasco.

Valverde denied in thrilling finale

RadioShack's Chris Horner edged out Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d'Epargne) to win the Vuelta Ciclista al Pais Vasco, or Tour of the Basque Country. Horner and Valverde were separated by just a second heading into the final time trial, a hilly 22km around Orio. There was virtually nothing between them for the first half of the time trial but it soon became obvious that Horner was taking control in the latter stages. That was confirmed when he powered across the line with the fastest time of the day (32m33s) to take both the stage and the overall title. "Today is one of my best-ever wins and means a lot as I love this race," said a delighted Horner afterwards. Valverde, who had spent much of the race in yellow, had to be content with second place in the time trial, eight seconds behind, and also on the general classification. Horner and Valverde's heroics relegated Maxime Monfort (HTC-Columbia) to third on the day while Bradley Wiggins was first home for Team Sky in 12th place, 42 seconds adrift. Stage six result: 1 - Chris Horner - (USA) - RadioShack - ( 32:33)
2 - Alejandro Valverde - (ESP) - Caisse d'Epargne - (+8)
3 - Maxime Monfort - (BEL) - HTC-Columbia - (+13)
4 - Michael Rogers - (AUS) - HTC-Columbia - (+18)
5 - Beñat Intxausti - (ESP) - Euskaltel - (+21)
6 - Samuel Sánchez - (ESP) - Euskaltel - (+23)
7 - Marco Pinotti - (ITA) - HTC-Columbia - (+25)
8 - Joaquim Rodríguez - (ESP) - Katyusha - (+33)
9 - Jean Christophe Péraud - (FRA) - Omega Pharma-Lotto - (+33)
10 - Andreas Klöden - (GER) - RadioShack - (+34)
Final overall standings: 1 - Chris Horner - (USA) - RadioShack - ( 23:27:30)
2 - Alejandro Valverde - (ESP) - Caisse d'Epargne - (+7)
3 - Beñat Intxausti - (ESP) - Euskaltel - (+58)
4 - Joaquim Rodríguez - (ESP) - Katyusha - (+1:06)
5 - Jean Christophe Péraud - (FRA) - Omega Pharma-Lotto - (+1:10)
6 - Marco Pinotti - (ITA) - HTC-Columbia - (+1:18)
7 - Sandy Casar - (FRA) - Française des Jeux - (+1:47)
8 - Samuel Sánchez - (ESP) - Euskaltel - (+1:58)
9 - Robert Gesink - (NED) - Rabobank - (+1:59)
10 - Dries Devenyns - (BEL) - Quick-Step - (+2:27)