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Klöden wins Tirreno-Adriatico
Andreas Klöden (Astana) retained his overall lead after the seventh and final stage to win the 42nd Tirreno-Adriatico cycling race on Tuesday.
Koldo Fernandez (Euskaltel-Euskadi) won the 177km stage between Civitella del Tronto and San Benedetto del Tronto in four hours, 38 minutes and 43 seconds after a bunch sprint. It was the Spaniard's first win since he turned professional in 2004.
Australian Stuart O'Grady (CSC) came in second and Italian Gabriele Balducci (Acqua e Sapone) was third.
Italian sprint king Alessandro Petacchi (Milram) was knocked out of contention for the stage after another competitor fell in front of him.
"At about two kilometers from the finish line there was a fall in front of me," he explained. "Thankfully I wasn't involved, but it spoiled my finish."
Kloden finished top of the overall standings with a time of 28:31:26. Kim Kirchen (T-Mobile) was second and Alexander Vinokourov (Astana) was third.
Tirreno-Adriatico
Final stage
1. Koldo Fernandez (Sp), Euskatel-Euskadi, 177km in 4 :38:43
2. Stuart O'Grady (Aus), CSC, same time
3. Gabriele Balducci (I), Acqua e Sapone, s.t.
4. Maximiliano Richeze (Arg), Ceramica Panaria, s.t.
5. Allan Davis (Aus), Discovery Channel, s.t.
6. Danilo Napolitano (I), Lampre-Fondital, s.t.
7. Robbie McEwen (Aus), Predictor-Lotto, s.t.
8. David Kopp (G), Gerolsteiner, s.t.
9. Rene Haselbacher (A), Astana, s.t.
10. Thor Hushovd (Nor), Crédit Agricole, s.t.
Final overall
1. Andreas Klöden (G), Astana, 28:31:26
2. Kim Kirchen (Lux), T-Mobile, at 0:04
3. Alexander Vinokourov (Kaz), Astana, at 0:13
4. Stefan Schumacher (G), Gerolsteiner, at 0:23
5. Janez Brajkovic (Slo), Discovery Channel, at 0:31
6. Jens Voigt (G), CSC, at 0:34
7. Vasil Kiryienka (Blr), Tinkoff Credit Systems, at 0:55
8. Evgeni Petrov (Rus), Tinkoff Credit Systems, at 0:59
9. Michele Scarponi (I), Acqua e Sapone, at 1:00
10. Michael Boogerd (Ned), Rabobank, at 1:12
