Vuelta a Guatemala, 2.6

Guatemala, Oct. 21 - Nov. 1, 1999
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Stage 2 - October 22

Report:

By Tomas Nilsson, cyclingnews.com correspondent

The action began at the foot of the "Engineer's Hill". American Michael Carter attacked on the climb and the chase was organized by Selvin Orantes, of Achuapa Naturas, Fernando Alvarado, of Xajanal and Yony Henry García, of Gold Star with Carters team mate Paul Aisel hanging on. Carter was passed before the top and Aisel was also left behind.

Before the next climb, San José La Arada, Garcia had a puncture which left Orantes and Alvarado trying to hold on to a lead that now was 5.58 to the peloton. But the two riders weren't riding well together, and at the second sprint at Agua Blanca it was all over.

The riding becam more intense in the last 20 kms. Local boy Migdael Zeceña tried a late attack but in vain. Finally Fernando Escobar had the best legs.

The stage was also a great day for the Guatemaltecs(?): A stage win, first in the sprints as well as the mountains competition, and seven in the top ten GC.

Stage 2, Teculután-Monjas, 144 kms 

1. Fernando Escobar (Gua) 	4.11.57 (37 km/h)
2. Edgar Villanueva (Gua)
3. Miguel Arroyo (Méx)
4. Luis Muj (Gua)
5. José Zeceña (Gua)
6. Alejandro Cortés (Col)
7. Guillermo Torres (Gua)
8. Mauricio Ardila (Col)
9. Hugo Lara (Gua)
10 Alberto Méndez (Gua)

General classification:

1. Alejandro Cortés (Col) 	7.57.15
2. Fernando Escobar (Gua) 	   0.02
3. Edgar Villanueva (Gua)
4. Miguel Arroyo (Mex)
5. Luis Rodolfo Muj (Gua)
6. José M. Zeceña (Gua)
7. Guillermo Torres (Gua)
8. Mauricio Ardila (Col)
9. Hugo Lara (Gua)
10. Fermín Méndez (Gua)

Sprints:

1. Selvin Orantes (Gua) 	8 pts.
2. Chris Fisher (USA) 		6
3. Fernando Alvarado (Gua) 	5

Mountains:

1. Fernando Alvarado (Gua) 	11 pts.
2. Fernando Escobar (Gua) 	9
3. Michael Carter (USA) 	9