Sun shines for the Belgians in Spain
Not taking into account the opening team time trial, the Belgians have taken home 2 of the 4 'normal stages' so far. Gianni Meersman, riding for the Belgian Etixx-Quick Step team, beat Fabio Felline (Italy/Trek) and Kevin Reza (France/FDJ) in a long uphill finish in Lugo, in the north-western province of Galicia.
Philippe Gilbert, the Belgian champion, accelerated in the final uphill kilometres, creating a little gap, but was gobbled up by the peloton again before the final kilometre.
Meersman has to look for a new employer next season and is increasing his market value with these two wins. His team manager, Patrick Lefevere, argues he didn't win enough in the past months. Now, he sees his pupil become a real winner but the decision to split up has already been taken.
Meersman also leads the points classification. The overall leader is Darwin Atapuma, the Colombian riding for the BMC Team.