The first stage of the Tour of Andalusia started in San Fernando and ended in Ubrique. After 164 kilometers Jonathan Hivert (Sojasun) managed to beat out Alejandro Valverde (Movistar) and Bauke Mollema (Blanco) in a sprint involving the lead group. Alejandro Valverde remains at the top of the general classification. The best rider for Team NetApp-Endura today was David de la Cruz, who crossed the finish line in 41^st place.

Three riders broke away shortly after the start and built up a lead of more than four minutes. They were caught, however, at the foot of Puerto de las Palomas, a Category 1 climb. A lead group with 21 riders formed during the climb. The group reached the highest point of the stage together and then tackled the final 36 kilometers of the race. Another group formed behind the lead group, including Team NetApp-Endura's David de la Cruz, who crossed the finish line with a deficit of 1:33 minutes.

"We were expecting more today. Unfortunately, we didn't manage to get one of our riders into the final group of favorites. Now we know where we stand, and we'll adjust our strategy accordingly for the next two stages," Alex Sans Vega reported after the stage.

The longest section of this year's Ruta Ciclista del Sol awaits the riders tomorrow. The pros will cover the 194-km course from Tebujena to Montilla. Following some flat to undulating terrain, the race will be decided in a climb along the final stretch.

Website of Vuelta a Andalucia

1. Stage       San Fernando – San Fernando       6 km (Prologue)
2. Stage       San Fernando – Ubrique          163,9 km
3. Stage       Trebujena – Montilla                      193,3 km
4. Stage       Lucena – Rincon de la Victoria       182,7