40th Clásico RCN - 2.4

Colombia, August 11-20, 2000

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Stage 1 - August 12: Medellín-Jardín (Antioquia), 172 km

The mountains strike early in stage 1

By Haroldo Camacho

Today's 172 km stage between Medellín and Jardín saw already only 89 of the 95 registered riders pull up to the staging aread under a radiant sun in Medellín. Niño was at front with the tri-colored jersey (yellow, blue, red of the Colombian flag). After several category 3 mountain primes, a breakaway group of six led the way to Jardín, and at the finish line it was 32 yr. old Julio César Aguirre from Orbitel 05 who somehow had enough left to lift his arms in victory at the finish line. Niño was left behind waiting for Raúl Montaña who flatted.

The effort was marked on the faces of the six leaders. All had to be helped off their bikes.

Sunday's stage, Jardín to Manizales, will cover 210.5 kms in similar mountainous territory. This year's Clásico is on, and as always those who did not shine in the Vuelta are eager to make their statement in the Clásico.

Results

1. Julio César Aguirre (Col) 05-Orbitel (Col)        5.05.32
2. Israel Ochoa (Col) Aguardiente Néctar		0.08 
3. Álvaro Lozano (Col) Aguardiente Cristal-Chec		0.10 
4. Juan Diego Ramírez (Col) 05-Orbitel			0.14
5. Álvaro Sierra (Col) Lotería de Boyacá		
6. Freddy E. González (Col) Aguardiente Néctar		0.20
7. Héctor Manuel Castaño (Col) 05-Orbitel		
...
Libardo Niño (Col) Aguardiente Néctar			1.01
Raúl Montaña (Col) Aguardiente Néctar			1.10

General classification after stage 1:

1. Julio César Aguirre (Col) 05-Orbitel 	     5.13.39
2. Israel Ochoa (Col) Aguardiente Néctar		0.14 
3. Álvaro Lozano (Col) Aguardiente Cristal-Chec		0.16
4. Héctor Manuel Castaño (Col) 05-Orbitel		0.28
5. Juan Diego Ramírez (Col) 05-Orbitel			0.29
6. Álvaro Sierra (Col) Lotería de Boyacá		0.37
7. Freddy E. González (Col) Aguardiente Néctar		0.47
8. Libardo Niño (Col) Aguardiente Néctar		0.56
9. Javier Zapata (Col) 05-Orbitel			0.58
10. Raúl Montaña (Col) Aguardiente Néctar		1.06

Mountains:

1. Álvaro Lozano (Col) Aguardiente Cristal-Chec 	13 pts

Sprints:

1. Juan Carlos Arias (Col) Bike House			13 pts

Young rider:

1. Luis Orán Castañeda (Col) Vitalicio Seguros 

Teams:

1. 05 Orbitel	 	            15.17.10
2. Aguardiente Néctar			0.55