Zarate seals another win for Kelme
VITORIA, Spain -- Carlos Zarate produced a solo ride to give the Kelme team a second win in three days in the third stage of the Tour of the Basque Country.
It was a double success for the Spanish outfit as Alejandro Valverde regained the overall lead after finishing second in the 169km stage from Zalla to Vitoria.
The victory will provide some respite to the team who have been at the centre of a storm over recent drug allegations by former rider Jesus Manzano.
Zarate, a first year professional, made his bid for victory early in the day when he set off in pursuit of a breakaway led by German rider Jens Voigt, the winner of the recent Criterium International.
He overhauled Voigt just over 30km from the finish and then sustained his rhythm to hold off the chasing pack and cross the line 21 seconds ahead of the peloton.
Valverde beat fellow Spaniard Pedro Horrillo in the sprint for second place ahead of Germany's Matthias Kessler.
Valverde, who won the opening stage on Monday, leads the overall standings from Italy's Danilo Di Luca and Davide Rebellin, though all have the same time.
The five-day race continues on Friday with a 182-km stage between Vitoria and Lekunberri and features a first-category climb three km from the line.
