Astarloa stuns Hamilton field

Astarloa was stunned by his win

Spain's Igor Astarloa broke away three kilometres from the finish and held off the chase to win the world road race title in Canada.

Astarloa, who only turned professional in 2000, completed the 258.3km course in 6hr 30min 19sec to finish five seconds ahead of compatriot Alejandro Valverde and Belgium's Peter Van Petegem.

The 27-year-old Astarloa launched a bold solo attack on the final climb said he was stunned by his achievement.

"I don't think I'm going to believe this even a year from now," he said.

Astarloa became the first Spaniard to win the Fleche-Wallonne one-day classic earlier this season.

The decisive move in the race came on the final 12.4km lap of the circuit when Van Petegem attacked the two-man break of Swiss Martin Elmiger and Dane Frank Hoj.

The Belgian took five other riders with him, including pre-race favourite Paolo Bettini, Astarloa, Oscar Camenzind, Michael Boogerd and Bo Hamburger and they went on to build a lead on the rest of the 92 riders remaining with only six kilometres to race.

Moments later and with the peloton fast closing in, Astarloa made a decisive move which his pursuers failed to respond to.

With a 10sec lead at the summit of the circuit's second climb the Spaniard was given just enough time to race downhill all the way towards the finish line.

The 27-year-old Astarloa, whose wins this year include the third stage on the Tour of Valencia, held on to cross the finish line alone in 6hr 30min 19sec, with the pursuers following seconds later.

Great Britain's David Millar, who won the time trial, finished 86th, more than four minutes behind Astarloa, while compatriot Max Sciandri was 31st.

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Men's road race:

1. Igor Astarloa (SPA) 6hr 30min 19sec
2. Alejandro Valverde (SPA) at 05secs
3. Peter Van Petegem (BEL) same time
4. Paolo Bettini (ITA) s.t.
5. Michael Boogerd (NED) 6,
6. Bo Hamburger (DEN) s.t.
7. Michael Barry (CAN) s.t.
8. Luca Paolini (ITA) 12
9. Oscar Freire (SPA) s.t.
10. Janek Tombek (EST) s.t.

Others:
31. Max Sciandri 12s
86. David Millar (GBR) 4:52