Paris-Nice 3 : Beñat out

It was another stage with terrible weather conditions in Paris-Nice. Only this time the Euskaltel riders didn't get out of it without accident. In a big crash almost 50km before the end Beñat and Dioni fell. Dioni could get back up and finish the stage but Beñat had to quit with several stitches in his face. Luckily he's fine now. Once again the peleton split in two groups but only Anton and Verdugo managed to stay in the first one. Anton even escaped on the last climb, taking 3 points for the mountains classification, but he got reeled back in. In the descent a groupe of four was formed with Hushovd, Steegmans, Chavanel and Albasini but Steegmans was too strong for them in the sprint and this way he got his second victory in this Paris-Nice. First Euskaltel rider was Anton on a 34th place.

Results
1 Gert Steegmans (Bel) Quick Step 5.29.47 (36.57 km/h)
2 Thor Hushovd (Nor) Crédit Agricole ST
3 Sylvain Chavanel (Fra) Cofidis ST
...
34. Igor Anton +0:03
45. Gorka Verdugo +0:03
53. Haimar Zubeldia +1:15
83. Dioni Galparsoro +2:56
94. Markel Irizar +4:25
109. Lander Aperribai +8:01
152. Aitor Hernandez +26:20