Javier Benitez (Contentpolis-Ampo) won his second consecutive stage in the Vuelta a Chihuahua in Mexico. Michael Rasmussen (Tecos Trek Team) defended his overall lead, tied on time with Daniel Moreno (Caisse d'Epargne).
Benitez outsprinted Michael Kreder (Rabobank Continental) and Andalucia's José Antonio Carrasco in the second stage. Kreder already finished third in stage one, pointing to a bright future for the 22-year-old. Garmin-Slipstream signed Kreder for 2010.
Rasmussen won the prologue, tied on time with Moreno. The two still lead the overall with one second over Oscar Sevilla, three seconds over Francisco Mancebo (both Rock Racing) and four seconds over Gregorio Ladino, Rasmussen's teammate.
Rasmussen is poised to not stay with the small Mexican outfit for to long. According to Wielerfits.nl, the Danish rider wants to win a Grand Tour next year.
"Armstrong is trying to win the Tour at age 38; I am just 35 and feel young. Part of the reason is that I train a lot with the youngsters, like [Jakob] Fuglsang and [Roman] Kreuziger."