Time-out

My dear readers, I'll be taking some time off the next couple of weeks. I'm sorry to say it, but I have to. But you should be fine I think, we're still in the off-season and not much is going on. I just need to free some time that's all. I'm way too busy, so I decided that I should stop blogging for a while. Though, if there's any news on Ibán you'll still find it here as that's the most important thing. Euskaltel, though, will have to wait I'm afraid. Except for eventual posts about Ibán I won't update it for at least a couple of weeks, perhaps more. But I'm not shutting the blog down mind you, so please check back regularly to find out when I plan to return. Until then, take care.

Galdós 2nd in Memorial Isabel Clavero

Aitor Galdós took another second place in an off-season race. This time in the Memorial Isabel Clavero. Aitor, who by the way has the most efficient pedal stroke in the team I learned today, only got beaten by Héctor Guerra. Just so you know.

Mikel best Basque

Mikel yesterday received the "Best Basque rider in the Tour de France"-award by the Sociedad Urkamendi. The award goes to the rider who did best on GC, which this year turned out to be Mikel with his slightly disappointing 16th place. Former Euskaltel rider Haimar Zubeldia has won the prize four times in his career, while this was Mikel's first time. Team-mates Gorka and Egoi were among the celebrities attending the celebration.

Euskaltel still in Pro Tour

Euskaltel yesterday got their Pro Tour license renewed by the UCI. I guess that's good news, don't you think?

Duo to Logroño

Alán and Juanjo will take part in the I Jornadas sobre Ciclismo Profesional hosted by the Logroñes Cycling Club tomorrow evening. Just so you know.

Pro Tour license up for consideration

Euskaltel have once again applied for a Pro Tour license for the next two years. Good news. The UCI today released a statement which read: "A decision is still pending on applications submitted by the teams Euskaltel-Euskadi (ESP) and BBox Bouygues Telecom (FRA). These applications will be considered at a later date." No need to panic as of yet then.

Training camp day 2

This happened at day two of Euskaltel's training camp in Derio:

• The riders left the hotel at 10:00 AM to pay a visit to bike-manufacturer Orbea's facilities.
• Afterwards the whole team went to Meñaka to celebrate Miguel Madariaga's birthday over lunch.
• After the celebration came to a close, they all headed back to Derio for a short work-out. The majority of the riders opted for the rollers, while some headed for the gym. During the session on the rollers, biomechanic Juan García López got to work with a few of the guys on their positioning.

Trio to promote tourism

Samu, Koldo and Ruben will all get on the plane to Valladolid for the weekend to be present at the XII Feria Internacional del Turismo de Interior. The three riders were invited by the Basque Government's Tourism department, and the riders will be signing autographs at Euskadi's own stand. Samu will be there on Friday, while Koldo and Rubén will be there on Saturday.

The staff

There's been quite a few changes to Euskaltel's backroom staff so far in the off-season, so a lot of you must be confused right now. But I'll try to change that right now:

• General manager: Miguel Madariaga
• Technical secretary: Igor González de Galdeano
• Sports directors: Igor González de Galdeano, Gorka Gerrikagoitia, Josu Larrazabal (Alex Díaz)
• Sport psychologist: Sergio Torres
• Physical trainers: Josu Larrazabal, Alex Díaz
• Doctors: Raquel Ortolano, Guillermo Cuesta, Sergio Quilez
• Biomechanic: Juan García López
• Osteopath: Nicolas Pescheux
• Spokesman: Jesus Aizkorbe
• Mechanics: Tomás Amezaga, Luis Lamas, Eneko Larrea, Jose Cruz Mujica, Joxe Nazabal, Luis Otazu
• Masseurs: Andoni Arce, Miguel Caravaca, Jon Carbayeda Gabino Ereñozaga, Miguel Izaguirre, Joseba Lekue, Borja Rodríguez

Training camp day 1

This happened at day one of Euskaltel's training camp in Derio:

• The weather was bad, so the riders opted for a quick spin on the rollers instead after having some breakfast.
• Apparel-supplier Astore presented Euskaltel's new clothing range for leisure wear.
• The traditional traning camp press-conference was held at 13:00. José Antonio Ardanza, Euskaltel's president, was awarded the Fundacion Euskadi Ciclista's top honour. All 23 riders were present.
• Later in the day, Euskaltel's new sport psychologist, Sergio Torres, got to present himself.
• The riders received advice on nutrition from dietician.

Third DS joins

Josu Larrazabal will join Euskaltel in 2009 to become the team's third directeur sportif. "Josu Larrazabal, who's already collaborated with Orbea, will join Euskaltel to become our third Sports Director", Galdeano said. "He'll be in charge of the physical training of the team, and will in addition direct the team in some smaller races. Gorka Gerrikagoitia and I will take care of the remainder of the races."