Movistar lived up to their status as the overwhelming favourites for the Klasika Primavera when they made it a 1-2-4 in a dominant show of force for the Spanish team. With Giovanni Visconti, Gorka Izagirre and Alejandro Valverde making up 75% up the decisive four-rider group, they delivered Visconti to victory, with Izagirre taking second and Sergio Pardilla (Caja Rural) slightly breaking the dominance in third.

We have gathered a few reactions.

Giovanni Visconti: This win means more to me than a WorldTour victory

Movistar Team dominated again the Klasika Primavera de Amorebieta in its 62nd edition, claiming their eighth win of the 2016 season and showing that its whole block can shine, no matter the type of race they tackle. Giovanni Visconti crowned a four-man break starting on the first of three Montecalvo ascents. Alejandro Valverde and Gorka Izagirre joined Pardilla (CJR), with the Italian bridging up to the front a few kilometers later, to go on a 60-kilometer move that eventually brought Visconti  its first win in three years  -2013 Giro d'Italia - and his second in the Basque race.

“I've got to say this is a huge victory for me," said Visconti. "It might not be a WorldTour race, but to me, it means even more than a top-tier one. It's already three years since my last win, and it's an immense joy and something that keeps me motivated for the upcoming races. It had been a demanding week in the Itzulia, but still one I had got big resultsin, while also being able to support Nairo to his podium finish. I hope to continue this way."

Izagirre after Pais Vasco disappointments: Joy comes after suffering

Second-placed finisher Gorka Izagirre explained further about the day's racing:

“What can we say! It was a demanding race, but one that we managed perfectly. We didn't want to take that much responsibility in the beginning, saving some energy for the end, but we didn't want to see big breaks going away either. We couldn't let riders from Caja or Murias take advantage. It took almost hundred kilometres before the escape was established, and that made the race quite harder than in previous years.

“On the first climb we put on a high pace, with Bala (Valverde), ‘Pardi’ (Pardilla) and myself opening a gap, and Visco joined us shortly afterwards. Pardilla was interested in  keeping the gap, or so I think - we got on well with each other since we all have ben team-mates now or in the past. To be honest, Alejandro [4th in the race, behind Pardilla - ed.] did a tremendous job so Visco and I could have a bigger chance. It really hurt Ion and me not to be at the Itzulia, but that's history: cycling brings you some joy after suffering, and we must keep looking forward to the future," the Basque allrounder said.

Sergio Pardilla back on the podium one year after horror crash

One year after his horror crash at the Vuelta al Pais Vasco, Sergio Pardilla finished third.

As always, all the riders from Caja Rural were very attentive to split. A first attempt by Hugh Carthy with Pardilla was quickly annulled by the peloton, and a few kilometers later Javier Aramendia who go into a 3-rider break with Strakhov (LOK) and De Segovia (LOU) .

In the finale, Caja Rural had Sergio Pardilla up against three Movistar riders and he had to settle for third. Behind, the group arrived at 1.33, with Carlos Barbero (6th) and Pello Bilbao (7th) making it three riders from the team in the top 10.

"It was a tough fight against Movistar, but in the end it went more us less as we had predicted in the bus,” Pardilla said. ”We knew we had to be vigilant if a break got clear without any riders from our team. When we reached the climbs, there were attacks and I was able to stay in the lead with three riders. Luckily, we were able to open a gap and reach the finish. Personally I am very happy because it's been a year since the accident and to see me on the podium gives me great moral for the future. "

The team will return to competition in the Vuelta a Castilla y León (April 15-17).