Valverde sprints to stage victory
 |  Sprint specialist Valverde triumphs in the opening stage |
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BERGARA, Spain (Reuters) -- Spanish sprint specialist Alejandro Valverde powered his way to victory in the 139-km opening stage of the Tour of the Basque Country on Monday.
The Kelme rider overhauled Denis Menchov of Russia on the final stretch and then held off fast finishing compatriot Angel Vicioso of Liberty Seguros team.
Italian riders Davide Rebellin and Danilo di Luca finished third and fourth respectively and Spain's Jorge Ferrio was fifth.
Menchov looked to be in with a chance of taking the stage after he attacked on the final second category climb to the Alto de Asentzio and held a 12-second advantage over the chasing pack five kilometers from the finish.
But Valverde, who won the third stage in last year's race and the silver medal in the road race in the world championships in Hamilton in October, used his superior sprint speed to run the Russian down and claim the stage.
There was disappointment for local favourite Joseba Beloki of the La Boulangere team who abandoned the race some 40 km from the finish.
The five-day race continues with a rollercoaster 180-km second stage on Tuesday, taking in nine second and third category climbs between Bergara and Zalla.
