Contract news

As reported yesterday, Haimar Zubeldia today signed a two-year-contract which will make him an Euskaltel rider until 2009 at least. This probably means that he´ll spend his entire pro career with his "home" team, as he´s been with them since he turned professional in 1998, and by the end of his new contract, will be 31. Such loyality that Haimar is showing is a very welcom sight in modern day cycling, as it´s very rare indeed to see a top class pro spend his entire career at one team. Though, I don´t mind, and certainly no other Euskaltel fans do either, as we all love him. Aupa Haimar!!

The very likeable and talented Markel Irizar Aramburu have also signed a new deal, in this case, a one-year extension. The 26-year-old from Oñati has had a good season, impressing in particular in the Giro and the Vuelta. His achievements in TTs has also been very encouraging and noteworthy.

The more surprising news coming from Euskaltel today, is the signing of the 28-year-old, former Euskaltel rider Dioni Galparsoro(pictured above). He spent the 2003 and the 2004 seasons at Euskaltel before heading to Pro Continental outfit Kaiku. Here he achieved two big wins: the fourth stage in the Vuelta a Asturias and the third stage in the Dreilander Rundfahrt( previously the Hessen Rundfahrt), with both coming in 2005. Dioni signed a one-year-contract, and though this signing may seem a little strange, there´s no doubting Dioni´s qualities as a cyclist. I wish him the best of luck for the 2007 season.