Jan Svorada takes first stage of Spain's Vuelta a Murcia cycling race

The Czech cyclist Jan Svorada has won the first stage of the Vuelta a Murcia race in southern Spain. Svorada surged past the pack in a mass finish to take the stage. Svorada, who is 33, has been a professional cyclist for 12 years and it was the sixtieth victory of his career. His wins include five stages in the Giro d'Italia and three in the Tour de France, including a dramatic victory last year on the Champs d'Elysees. Jan Svorada had this to say after his latest win.

"I am satisfied because I was in preparation at the start of the season and I was in good shape. Unfortunately I had problems with the tendons in my knee so I was in fewer races than I'm used to. This victory has given me confidence and I hope more good things happen."

And the Vuelta a Murcia race is due to end on Sunday.