Welcome to the Daily Peloton's (not quite live) coverage of the Vuelta a Espana, the first of the mountain stages. Today the riders face 4 catagorized climbs, the Alto de Montrepot, the Alto de Portalet, the Col d'Aubisque and an ascension to the finish at Cauterets-Cam Basque in France.

6:35 am PDT. There's currently a break of 8 away: Joan Horrach, who now stands to take over the KOM jersey, Jose Vincente Garcia Acosta, Fabrizio Guidi, Chechu Rubiera, Francisco Cabello of Kelme, Telekom's Jan Schaffrath, Oscar Pereiro of Phonak, and Jose Jufre of Relax-Fuenlabrada. The riders are on the climb up the Col D'Aubisque, on French soil.

ONCE is all over the front of the pack - Jan Hruska is on the front, driving the chasing peloton.

Fabrizio Guidi has been dropped out of the breakaway, and Felix Cardenas, who is the current KOM, has joined to protect his lead in that classification.

Chechu Ruberia is not in the break, actually... he has been dropped from that, and is now suffering on the back of the peloton.

Big news today: Franck Vandenbroucke has abandoned. Vini Caldirola's Massimo Apollonio has abandoned as well.

Luis Perez of Cofidis has attacked. Manuel Beltran followed, but could not stick - now he's been followed by four men: Kurt Van de Wouwer, who was just a bit off the front is swallowed up by the four. Roberto Heras is with them, but interestingly, no ONCE.

5km left in the climb up the Col D'Aubisque...Angel Casero is well off the back. Felix Cardenas, who joined the break, is now putting the pressure on, and his effort has blown away the break. But that move kicked off by Perez, and including Heras has now joined the break, and there's a very serious group of about 20 chasers forming behind that.

Heras looks great - he is leading the charge.

6:57 am PDT. Cardenas is now sitting at the back of the break, Heras is looking good, He and Perez are setting the pace. ONCE leads the peloton - Igor Gonzalez de Galdeano is right on his shoulder...Isidro Nozal is there, as well.

Oscar Sevilla is in the pack - and they are just trying to limit the damage with that attack.

7:00 am PDT. 52 km to go. Heras is doing exactly what he needs to do to make this race happen for him - he has to attack, because there's another 50 km ITT ahead, and he's going to need a good cushion over guys like Igor Gonzalez de Galdeano, who is right now leading the peloton in the chase.

After this climb, the riders head down into the valley, and up the final climb of the day Cauterets-Cam Basque.

3km away from the top of the climb, there's an attack on...A Euskaltel man and and iBanesto man are off, they are marked by Heras.

Michele Scarponi of Domina Vacanze and Kelme's Valverde have joined the front group. IGG is no longer on the front...now it's Isidro Nozal, followed closely by Manuel Beltran.

7:07 am PDT. Klaus Moller and Joan Horrach of Milaneza MSS are suffering at the back of the pack. Carlos Sastre is in this group as well, as is Dario Frigo. It'a all the big boys, but interestingly, ONCE has been decimated there - they only have two mwn in the chasing pack - Nozal and IGG.

The pack is close to the summit, and the break is over it. It's foggy and dark at the top. Isidro Nozal, what a stud! He leads the pack over the top.

The descent is very narrow and twisting. Dangerous! There's no guard rail and a steep drop off the side - no room for error.

7:14 am PDT. Leaders: Heras, Scarponi...Cardenas is alone between the leaders and the pack. The pack is entering a tunnel... it's dark! That's a big test of nerve!

7:17 am PDT. Cardenas is a cautious descender, but he is latching on to the leader... but someone else had gone wide and fallen - thankfully on the side without the big drop! It's not Heras... I do know that.

Aitor Gonzalez... is trying to climb up to the break.

7:22 am PDT. Pereiro, who was falling off the back is now catching Gonzalez's wheel. Gonzalez de Galdeano takes over from Nozal at the front of the pack...

The crasher was Felix Cardenas. Cardenas got back up, and rejoined the leaders - he's fine. The chasing pack, led by Nozal and IGG have dragged Gonzalez back into the fold. The pack is letting ONCE do all the work. No one is giving them even a little bit of help on these climbs.

7:27 am PDT. 39 km to go. The breakaway is speeding down the descent. There are seven riders away, including Heras, they have a gap of 58", and the last climb of the day is ahead.

The pack is on the descent, and they have the pressure on - they want that group back. And they've taken back 10" - the gap is 48".

Osa, Scarponi, Rassmussen, Heras, Perez and two more; those are the riders in the break.

They have just gone through town, and are heading out towards the last climb.

The pack is bunching up on the flat, as every one of the riders not on the ONCE team are declining to do a stitch of work. Nozal and IGG have the pressure on at the front of the pack. They are chasing hard. Nozal looks to be working for IGG.

Cardenas is in the front of the break...Valverde is the Kelme man in the break.

Nozal is burying himself for IGG. He is driving hard at the front of the pack. It looks like the pack is gaining on the break. It's going to be a tough and decisive climb ahead.

7:34 am PDT. Nozal is definitely not the protected man on ONCE; he is completely sacrificing himself on this chase. He is closely followed by IGG and Manuel Beltran.

7:38 am PDT. 30km to the finish. The break is now only 20" ahead... and Nozal has been leading the chase all this time. ONCE is getting no help from the pack, and Nozal is getting no help from his teammates.

The pack is all together again. Aitor Osa and Michael Rasmussen are the only two who are still ahead of the pack... everyone else is back in the fold. Osa and Rassmussen have a lead of about 28".

7:40 am PDT. The two leaders are speeding down a small descent, but the pack is right on their tail. Vladimir Belli is back in the cars getting water.

Aitor Osa is drilling it - Rasmussen too... they aren't caught yet.

7:45 am PDT. 18km to go. 10 of them are a climb, and the pack is gaining men - more ONCE men have joined up.

Osa and Rasmussen are still ahead, and there's a group of 6 in the middle. The leaders are 40" ahead of the chasers, and the chasers are 50" ahead of the pack. Osa and Rasmussen are cooperating well with one another.

In the break - Cuesta, Cardenas... and four others. They're going through the town that lies just before the climb kicks up.

7:50 am PDT. 17 km to go. The gap is opening. The leaders have 1'10" over the chasers. There's a good string of ONCE all over the front.

The chasers are 21" ahead of the pack - their effort is soon to be over. Meanwhile the leaders are gaining time.

4 ONCE man on the front leading Nozal and IGG. Oscar Sevilla is still in the front pack... so are Heras and Beltran, Sastre...Cardenas is putting on the pressure as the climb kicks up. Cardenas likes this climb, and as the KOM, he wants to stay ahead.

7:52 am PDT. The chasers are shattering under the pressure of Cardenas, but the pack is right on them. The helmets are off and the climb is on.

7:56 am PDT. ONCE is driving the pace on the climb. Osa and Rasmussen are still ahead by 1'24". Rasmussen has turned the screws, and he's dropped Aitor Osa.

ONCE is working really hard to bring back the chasers, but now Kelme joins the leadership of the pack.

The lead is 1'15, and there are 12 km to go.

Perez is attacking again, and Nozal is going with him! Manuel Beltran is joining them... and Kelme's Gutierrez is dropping back.

8:00 am PDT. Nozal is amazing! Whatever he's eating, I want some! There's Kelme attacking...It's OSCAR!

Oscar is on the attack! He's ahead of the pack!

Nozal is now in trouble...he's falling out the back, and Beltran is steaming on ahead...

8:04 am PDT. Rasmussen is still ahead... he is going for the biggest victory of his career, and Nozal is still in trouble.

7 km to go! Oscar Sevilla was flying up, but now he's back with the pack.

Rasmussen has 7km to go - Manuel Beltran and Perez are together on the chase. Beltran looks like he's just waiting for the road to kick up. Meanwhile, the ONCE team is chasing desperately - Beltran is a danger. There's one ONCE domestique left, along with Nozal and IGG.

The tough climb of the race is ahead.

8:10 am PDT. The break has 1'27", the break meaning Rasmussen. Kurt Van de Wouwer is making his effort... He's trying to catch up to Beltran and Perez.

8:12 am PDT. So the situation on the road: Rasmussen is alone, he is chased by Beltran and Perez, Kurt Van de Wouwer is chasing those two, and the pack is behind... and it's all uphill from here.

Roberto Heras attacked, and was caught, but the pack is a small select group now. Isidro Nozal and Aitor Gonzalez have been dropped....

Only 9 men in that group now...Isidro Nozal is done - he is far back, and is pedalling squares.

8:16 am PDT. Nozal has dropped anchor and the lights are out... but he's put in a brave ride, and he is now leaving it all to ONCE team leader IGG. Beltran, at this point, is looking good to take the gold jersey. About 5 to go.

Oscar Sevilla is ahead with Perez.... Sevilla is joining the Beltran group. Rasmussen still ahead...

8:19 am PDT. Valdimir Belli is at the front of the pack - IGG is there, Heras is there...The race is going to pieces behind that pack of 9 select men. Aitor Gonzalez is trying to catch back onto the pack, but he's drifting back...

Rasmussen has 2km to go - he looks good. The lead is 1'02".

8:22 am PDT. Rasmussen is in front... He is driving it. He looks strong, and he looks to have it.

But where is Oscar? He's either ahead or behind the Beltan group, alone. Beltran has the pressure on, too.

Rabobank's Rasmussen has it... he has won the day! He is crossing the finish line now. He's celebrating, waving to the crowd! A big victory for him.

Cardenas is second on the road... Beltran is chasing him...Beltran is giving it every ounce of strength - his face is ALL PAIN.

Cardenas is second - Beltran sprints all the way to the line for third. Frigo is next...The clock starts.

We need 3'26" on the clock to Nozal's time and Manuel Beltran will take the lead.

Nozal!!! He is fighting his ass off! He is going to KEEP THE JERSEY!!!! Nozal's face! HE is drooling and exhausted. What a fight!!! Seriously, the man is frothing at the mouth.

8:30 am PDT. So, another amazing day in the saddle for Isidro Nozal, fighting like mad! Incredible.

Stage 7 Full Results

1º Rasmussen, Michael Den Rab 5:01:14
2º Cardenas, Felix Col L2c a 55
3º Beltran, Manuel Esp Usp a 59
4º Perez, Luis Esp Cof a 1:08
5º Osa, Unai Esp Ban a 1:10
6º Frigo, Dario Ita Fas a 1:17
7º Mancebo, Francisco Esp Ban a 1:24
8º Valverde, Alejandro Esp Kel a 1:26
9º Garcia Casas, Félix Esp Tbi a 1:26
10º Heras, Roberto Esp Usp a 1:29
11º Del Olmo, Txema Esp Mil a 1:31
12º Etxebarria, David Esp Eus   m.t.
13º Gonzalez, Aitor Esp Fas   m.t.
14º Scarponi, Michele Ita Dve   m.t.
15º Glez. Galdeano, Igor Esp One a 1:40
16º Belli, Wladimir Ita Lam a 1:50
17º Piepoli, Leonardo Ita Ban a 1:53
18º Cuesta, Iñigo Esp Cof a 1:58
19º Gonzalez, Gorka Esp Eus a 2:12
20º Flores, Iker Esp Eus a 2:16
21º Sevilla, Oscar Esp Kel a 2:30
22º Sastre, Carlos Esp Csc m.t.
23º Trentin, Guido Ita Cof m.t.
24º Nozal, Isidro Esp One a 2:46
25º Van De Wouwer, Kurt Bel Qsd a 2:46
26º Gutierrez , José Esp Kel a 3:17
27º Möller, Klaus Den Mil a 4:24
28º Gonzalez, Santos Esp Dve a 4:39
29º Serrano, Marcos Esp One a 4:45
30º Calvente, Manuel Esp Csc a 5:27
31º Garcia Quesada, Carlos Esp Kel a 5:45
32º Pereiro, Oscar Esp Pho a 5:58
33º Jufre, José Esp Crf a 5:58
34º Ferrio, Jorge Esp Alm a 6:27
35º Jimenez, Eladio Esp Ban a 9:05
36º Torrent, Carlos Esp Alm a 10:54
37º Werner, Christian Ger Tel   m.t.
38º Luttenberger, Peter Aut Csc   m.t.
39º Sinkewitz, Patrick Ger Qsd   m.t.
40º Amorim, Gonçalo Por Mil   m.t.
41º Martinez, José Luis Esp Alm   m.t.
42º Azevedo, José Por One a 12:02
43º Rodriguez, Joaquin Esp One a 12:14
44º Horrach, Joan Esp Mil a 12:46
45º Lopez, David Esp L2c a 12:46
46º Osa, Aitor Esp Ban a 13:14
47º Atienza, Daniel Esp Cof a 13:47
48º Virenque, Richard Fra Qsd a 18:17
49º Lopez, Joaquin Esp Alm   m.t.
50º Garcia Calvo, Cesar Esp L2c   m.t.
51º Zaballa, Constantino Esp Kel   m.t.
52º Martin Perdiguero, Miguel Esp Dve   m.t.
53º Cardoso, Pedro Por Mil   m.t.
54º Aerts, Mario Bel Tel   m.t.
55º Gerrikagoitia, Gorka Esp Eus   m.t.
56º Noval, Benjamín Esp Crf   m.t.
57º Latasa, David Esp Kel   m.t.
58º Pospyeyev, Kyryl Ukr Dve   m.t.
59º Rebollo, Jose Luis Esp Crf   m.t.
60º Lastras, Pablo Esp Ban   m.t.
61º Vila, Francisco Esp Lam   m.t.
62º Navas, David Esp Crf   m.t.
63º Gustov, Volodymir Ukr Fas   m.t.
64º Zberg, Beat Sui Rab   m.t.
65º Martinez, Alberto Esp Eus   m.t.
66º De Los Angeles, Juan José Esp Fas   m.t.
67º Cheula, Giampaolo Ita Vin   m.t.
68º Diaz Lobato, Pedro Esp Alm   m.t.
69º Golbano, Carlos Esp Alm   m.t.
70º Moreni, Cristian Ita Als a 18:22
71º Blanco, Santiago Esp Crf a 18:22
72º Fofonov, Dmitri Kaz Cof a 20:03
73º Fuentes, Juan Esp Sae a 25:48
74º Garate, Juan Manuel Esp Lam a 27:27
75º Arrieta, José Luis Esp Ban   m.t.
76º Zabel, Erik Ger Tel   m.t.
77º Garcia Acosta, José Esp Ban   m.t.
78º Schleck, Frank Lux Csc   m.t.
79º Silva, Renato Por Mil   m.t.
80º Lunghi, Denis Ita Als   m.t.
81º Sanchez, Domingo Esp Alm   m.t.
82º Otero, Gustavo Esp L2c   m.t.
83º Bertoletti, Simone Ita Lam   m.t.
84º Grabsch, Bert Ger Pho   m.t.
85º Edo, Angel Esp Mil   m.t.
86º Cabello, Francisco Esp Kel   m.t.
87º Casero, Rafael Esp Alm   m.t.
88º Astarloa, Igor Esp Sae   m.t.
89º Barry ,Michael Can Usp   m.t.
90º Cerezo, Francisco Esp L2c   m.t.
91º Laguna, Oscar Esp Crf   m.t.
92º Schreck, Stephan Ger Tel   m.t.
93º Hincapie, George Usa Usp   m.t.
94º Farazjin, Peter Bel Cof   m.t.
95º Van Goolen, Jurgen Bel Qsd   m.t.
96º Garmendia, Aitor Esp Tbi   m.t.
97º Jaksche, Jörg Ger One   m.t.
98º Mercado, Juan Miguel Esp Ban   m.t.
99º Joachim, Benoit Lux Usp   m.t.
100º Bayarri, Gonzalo Esp Pho   m.t.
101º Fernandez, Bingen Esp Cof   m.t.
102º Etxebarria, Unai Ven Eus   m.t.
103º Manzano, Jesus Maria Esp Kel   m.t.
104º Jeker, Fabian Sui Mil   m.t.
105º Montgomery, Sven Sui Fas   m.t.
106º Hruska, Jan Cze One   m.t.
107º Lara, Francisco José Esp Tbi   m.t.
108º Isasi, Iñaki Esp Eus   m.t.
109º Rubiera, José Luis Esp Usp   m.t.
110º Leipheimer, Levy Usa Rab   m.t.
111º Schweda, Raphael Ger Tbi   m.t.
112º Laiseka, Roberto Esp Eus   m.t.
113º Landis, Floyd Usa Usp   m.t.
114º Engels, Addy Ned Rab   m.t.
115º Vicioso, Angel Esp One   m.t.
116º Pugaci, Igor Mda Sae   m.t.
117º Lopeboselli, Angelo Ita Cof a 27:39
118º Casero, Angel Esp Tbi a 29:54
119º Simeoni, Filippo Ita Dve a 29:55
120º Guidi, Fabrizio Ita Tbi a 29:55
121º Herrero, Ivan Esp L2c a 33:35
122º Pepoli, Christian Ita Sae   m.t.
123º Piccoli, Mariano Ita Lam   m.t.
124º Barroso, Paulo Por Mil   m.t.
125º Calcagni, Patrick Sui Vin   m.t.
126º Sandstod, Michael Den Csc   m.t.
127º Brognara, Andrea Ita Als   m.t.
128º Petacchi, Alessandro Ita Fas   m.t.
129º Lombardi, Giovanni Ita Dve   m.t.
130º Mondini, Gianpaolo Ita Dve   m.t.
131º De Jongh, Steven Ned Rab   m.t.
132º Aebersold, Niki Sui Pho   m.t.
133º Mutsaars, Ronald Ned Rab   m.t.
134º Pradera, Mikel Esp One   m.t.
135º Horrillo, Pedro Esp Qsd   m.t.
136º Perez, Sergio Esp L2c   m.t.
137º Boonen, Tom Bel Qsd   m.t.
138º Van Heeswijk, Max Ned Usp   m.t.
139º Cañada, David Esp Qsd   m.t.
140º De La Fuente, David Esp Vin   m.t.
141º Gomez Gozalo, José Javier Esp L2c   m.t.
142º Zucconi, Pietro Sui Vin   m.t.
143º Hayman, Mathew Aus Rab   m.t.
144º Julich, Bobby Usa Tel   m.t.
145º Trenti, Guido Usa Fas   m.t.
146º Tankink, Bram Ned Qsd   m.t.
147º Tosatto, Matteo Ita Fas   m.t.
148º Nieto, Germán Esp Crf   m.t.
149º Casagranda, Stefano Ita Als   m.t.
150º Hernandez, Jaime Esp Tbi   m.t.
151º Ivanov, Ruslan Mda Als   m.t.
152º Bertolini, Alessandro Ita Als   m.t.
153º Rund, Thorsten Ger Tbi   m.t.
154º Tauler, Antonio Esp Kel   m.t.
155º Wesemann, Steffan Ger Tel   m.t.
156º Sironi, Gianluca Ita Vin   m.t.
157º Boven, Jan Ned Rab   m.t.
158º Sorensen, Nicki Den Csc   m.t.
159º Bruun, Thomas Den Csc   m.t.
160º Maestre, José Esp Crf   m.t.
161º Perez, Santiago Esp Pho   m.t.
162º Arrizabalaga, Gorka Esp Eus   m.t.
163º Masciarelli, Simone Ita Vin   m.t.
164º Righi, Daniele Ita Lam   m.t.
165º Vanov, Serguei Rus Fas   m.t.
166º Furlan, Angelo Ita Als   m.t.
167º White, Matthew Aus Usp   m.t.
168º Hiekmann, Torsten Ger Tel   m.t.
169º Bertogliati, Rubens Sui Lam   m.t.
170º Vinale, Alberto Ita Als a 33:45
171º Dominguez, Juan Carlos Esp Pho m.t.5
172º Rodriguez, Fred Usa Vin m.t.
173º Kroon, Karsten Ned Rab m.t.
174º Millar, David Gbr Cof a 33:47  
175º Christensen, Bekim Den Csc m.t.
176º Usov, Alexandre Blr Pho a 33:49
177º Zuelle, Alex Sui Pho m.t.
178º Gutierrez, Francisco Esp L2c a 37:50
179º Burgos, Nacor Esp Crf a 40:22
180º Bucciero, Antonio Ita Sae m.t.
181º Dean, Julian Nzl Csc a 45:10

General Classification after Stage 7

1º Nozal, Isidro Esp One 20:08:37
2º Beltran, Manuel Esp Usp a 55
3º Glez. Galdeano, Igor Esp One a 1:21
4º Frigo, Dario Ita Fas a 3:07
5º Heras, Roberto Esp Usp a 3:18
6º Mancebo, Francisco Esp Ban a 3:40
7º Gonzalez, Aitor Esp Fas a 4:00
8º Valverde, Alejandro Esp Kel a 4:03
9º Rasmussen, Michael Den Rab a 4:24
10º Osa, Unai Esp Ban a 4:34
11º Perez, Luis Esp Cof a 4:35
12º Garcia Casas, Félix Esp Tbi a 5:14
13º Scarponi, Michele Ita Dve a 5:52
14º Möller, Klaus Den Mil a 5:54
15º Flores, Iker Esp Eus a 5:54
16º Etxebarria, David Esp Eus a 5:55
17º Sastre, Carlos Esp Csc a 6:31
18º Cardenas, Felix Col L2c a 6:41
19º Serrano, Marcos Esp One a 6:48
20º Sevilla, Oscar Esp Kel a 7:10
21º Gonzalez, Gorka Esp Eus a 7:17
22º Gonzalez, Santos Esp Dve a 8:07
23º Del Olmo, Txema Esp Mil a 8:51
24º Trentin, Guido Ita Cof a 9:01
25º Cuesta, Iñigo Esp Cof a 9:45

Points after Stage 7

1º Petacchi, Alessandro Ita Fas 50
2º Nozal, Isidro Esp One 47
3º Glez. Galdeano, Igor Esp One 45
4º Perez, Luis Esp Cof 43
5º Zabel, Erik Ger Tel 42
6º Etxebarria, David Esp Eus 40
7º Dean, Julian Nzl Csc 37
8º Cardenas, Felix Col L2c 37
9º Beltran, Manuel Esp Usp 34
10º Rasmussen, Michael Den Rab 33
11º Hruska, Jan Cze One 32
12º Rodriguez, Joaquin Esp One 32
13º Etxebarria, Unai Ven Eus 31
14º Valverde, Alejandro Esp Kel 31
15º Edo, Angel Esp Mil 30
16º Frigo, Dario Ita Fas 24
17º Gutierrez, José Esp Kel 20
18º Millar, David Gbr Cof 20
19º Sastre, Carlos Esp Csc 20
20º Zaballa, Constantino Esp Kel 19
21º Vicioso, Angel Esp One 17
22º Lombardi, Giovanni Ita Dve 17
23º Svorada, Jan Cze Lam 17
24º Boonen, Tom Bel Qsd 17
25º Gonzalez, Aitor Esp Fas 15
26º Martin Perdiguero, Miguel Esp Dve 14

KOM after Stage 7

1º Cardenas, Felix Col L2c 86
2º Perez, Luis Esp Cof 58
3º Rasmussen, Michael Den Rab 33
4º Horrach, Joan Esp Mil 23
5º Nozal, Isidro Esp One 20
6º Heras, Roberto Esp Usp 20
7º Osa, Aitor Esp Ban 18
8º Jeker, Fabian Sui Mil 16
9º Valverde, Alejandro Esp Kel 12
10º Sastre, Carlos Esp Csc 12
11º Osa, Unai Esp Ban 11
12º Pereiro, Oscar Esp Pho 11
13º Piepoli, Leonardo Ita Ban 11
14º Garcia Calvo, Cesar Esp L2c 10
15º Etxebarria, Unai Ven Eus 10
16º Beltran, Manuel Esp Usp 10
17º Scarponi, Michele Ita Dve 8
18º Zaballa, Constantino Esp Kel 8
19º Etxebarria, David Esp Eus 7
20º Jufre, José Esp Crf 7
21º Pepoli, Christian Ita Sae 7
22º Hruska, Jan Cze One 6
23º Astarloa, Igor Esp Sae 6
24º Mancebo, Francisco Esp Ban 6
25º Serrano, Marcos Esp One 5
26º Frigo, Dario Ita Fas 4

Teams Classification after Stage 7 (incomplete)

1º Once - Eroski ONE 60:31:27  
2º IBanesto.com BAN a 7:07  
3º Euskaltel - Euskadi EUS a 7:16  
4º Kelme - Costa Blanca KEL a 10:57  
5º Cofidis, le credit par telephone COF a 11:37