Vuelta al País Vasco Roundup: Kirchen Beats World Champ, Contador Still Leader

Kirchin, a two-time national champ, is a capable mountain climber

The 48th Vuelta al Pais Vasco embarked on the second stage today in Spain under rainy skies. A tough, mountain filled stage, the second day at Pais Vasco would be hard for the whole peloton. Kim Kirchen, in a breakaway with several others for much of the stage, was caught just 9 kilometers from the finish, and looked to be out of contention for the win.

However, Kirchen hung tough and was able to beat world champion Paolo Bettini to the line for his first win of the season. Bettini meanwhile, is still searching for answers ahead of the hilly Ardennes classics. The world champ was snakebitten once again in a race that he could of won, continuing his past two years of few victories and close calls in the rainbow jersey.

Contador will defend his lead ahead of the final stage's time trial

Meanwhile, Alberto Contador maintained his lead on the rest of the field thanks to hard work from his teammates. His Astana team continues to dominate the races they enter, as they rage against being shut out of this year's Tour de France. Team manager Johan Bruyneel must be quietly happy as his team continues to win most of the races they enter.

The rest of the week will be difficult, with stage four providing the most mountains. Contador and the Astana team will have their hands full protecting the lead from some heavy hitters, including Riccardo Ricco, Damiano Cunego, Cadel Evans, Frank Schleck, Vladamir Karpets, and Davide Rebellin, all of whom are a minute or less off of Contador's pace.