Iban`s new role

Assuming that Iban joines Saunier Duval prior to the 2007 season, what will his role be in the team? Will he be the sole leader for the Tour, or will he be riding the classics?

At Euskaltel, Iban`s role as team leader was undisputed. Every year he planned his whole season around the Tour, and despite solid performances from Haimar Zubeldia, he got the backing of the team. He was their captain, no matter what form he was in. But will things be the same with Saunier? Saunier Duval have a frightening team for the grand tours next year, on paper at least. José Angel Gomez Marchante, Leonardo Piepoli, Gilberto Simoni and Koldo Gil is one hell of a quartet. Add Mayo, and Saunier have major overall candidates for all grand tours, that will be the Giro, Tour and the Vuelta. I guess Simoni and Piepoli will do the Giro. No Mayo for the Giro, that`s for sure, unless he wants to use it as Tour-preparation. And with Simoni and Piepoli doing the Giro, the chances for any of them to be captain, or even ride the Tour, are very slim. But then, will it be all out for Iban come the Tour? Don`t think so. After the progress Gomez Marchante has shown this year, they simply can`t leave him out. I think it will be shared responsabilities for Mayo and Marchante in the Tour, with a strong team to back them up. And then, probably Gil for the Vuelta.

But how about the rest of the year? One of the main differences I think Saunier will do to his calendar, will be to try to get him in top form for Liège and Fleche Wallonne. We all know what Iban is capable of in the Ardennes classics, but sadly, they haven`t been on his list of priorities the last couple of years. I think Mayo will try to reach two peaks next year, not just the regular one. First the classics, and maybe the Vuelta al Pais Vasco, and then the Tour. Or maybe it will be just like with Euskaltel, only the Tour. I don`t know. All this is just personal thoughts and hopes. I`ve got nothing to back this up. No sources. But I`ll let you know once I get some. Until then, just speculations.