Lining up as the defending champion, Amets Txurruka (Caja Rural) got close to another win in the Vuelta a Asturias when he finished second behind Igor Anton (Movistar) in the first stage.

"I felt good," he said. "I had options thanks to great team work. Molina was very well in the break and Hugg [Carthy] set a good pace in the peloton to control the finale. When five riders attacked, I jumped with them. When I caught them, Anton and Belda had gone. I got to within 5 seconds and could see them, but on the descent, although I ride fast, Igor gained ground. It's a shame with the second place, but it is not bad. I want to congratulate Anton with the victory which is deserved. Now I will rest and seek my options tomorrow. Movistar is very strong but we will try."