Team Katusha Tiago Machado took 7th place in the Spanish one-day race Vuelta Ciclista a Murcia (198.1 km). This race was the first European race for the Russian team in 2015 season.

"It was our first European race in this year and we are happy to start our season in Europe. In general, our team did a strong race, but the attack of Taaramae was absolutely great. Like other teams, Katusha took part in chasing Taaramae but it was impossible to catch him. A well deserved victory. In the final Tiago Machado was among the leaders, Alberto Losada was close too. Sergey Lagutin did a good race as well. Our sprinters Aleksander Porsev and Rudi Selig used this race as preparation for tomorrow race. Clásica de Almería is more suitable for sprinters, so we are optimistic about fighting for a good result in tomorrow race," said Team Katusha sports director Claudio Cozzi.

The winner of the Vuelta a Murcia was Estonian rider Rein Taaramae from Astana. Taaramae attacked on the main climb of the race Alto de Espuña, taking a gap on the downhill from Alto Collado Bermejo and spending over 50 km in a solo breakaway, taking an impressive victory. The main group finished 10 seconds behind the winner. Bauke Mollema from Trek Factory Racing was second while Zdeněk Štybar from Etixx – Quick Step completed the podium

Tiago Machado was 7th, while Alberto Losada took 14th.

Another Spanish one-day race, Clásica de Almería, will be held tomorrow.