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A move to new Russian team Katusha next season did not get in the way of Filippo Pozzato’s teams on the Liquigas cycling team as they help propel him to the first Golden Jersey of the Vuelta. Perhaps the power of the new mustache helped get the win, but the margin as seen below was more than a hair. The Liquigas team worked well over a short 7.7km course throught he streets of Granada Spain. The city course was technical with several turns and slick spots. Teams with GC contenders such as CSC- Saxobank and Astana placed within 3 seconds of each other. That is a good start for Carlos Sastre and Alberto Contador who look to be the main protagonist for the Golden Jersey.
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Astana is eager to get Contador the overall win after the Tour de France snub and the win at the Giro D’Italia earlier this year. If Contador wins the Vuelta he will be in the rare air of riders who won all three Grand Tours.
The Liquigas team will have a tough time defending the jersey as the numerous time bonuses on Sunday’s stage 1 will definitely be in favor of a new leader.