Engoulvent takes early lead

Saur-Sojasun rider Jimmy Engoulvent took victory in the prologue to lead the Ruta Del Sol.

Team Sky riders net top-ten finishes

Jimmy Engoulvent took a narrow victory in the prologue to lead the way after the opening day of the Ruta Del Sol. The Saur-Sojasun rider clocked an impressive time of nine minutes and 28 seconds over the hilly 6.8km course around Benahavis, edging out Markel Irizar (RadioShack) by less than a second. The 31-year-old Frenchman's efforts were rewarded with the leader's red jersey, which he will now adorn on Monday's difficult mountain stage between Almunecar and Adra. Belgian climber Jurgen Van Den Broeck (Omega Pharma-Lotto) and American Levi Leipheimer (RadioShack) were next quickest home, with the top five riders separated by just three seconds. Team Sky duo Thomas Löfkvist and Rigoberto Urán finished in eighth and ninth places respectively, both men within 10 seconds of the Frenchman. Alex Dowsett meanwhile, finished as top British rider in Spain for Team Sky, 13 seconds off the best time.