Mayo: "Extremely difficult to leave Euskaltel"

In todays press conference in Bilbao, Iban talked about his move to Saunier, a bit about next year`s calendar, his new objectives and his hope of returning to 2003 form.

Iban said that leaving Euskaltel was extremely difficult, but that he was very happy with his move to Saunier Duval. He further said that the "code of ethics" was no problem, he had already signed that one, but he couldn`t sign the "internal code". The "code of ethics" is a code concerning doping, doping policies and suspension, while the "internal code" is guidelines and rules for public appearances and public behaviour. He felt that the "internal code" was set up against his person, and that he disagreed with much of it`s content. Though, leaving Euskaltel, his only pro team to date, was a hard choice to make, but he felt it was necessary. He said that failing to explore his potential and live up to expectations made him lose motivation and illusions. He hoped that a switch of teams would take him back to former glories, the Tour of 2003 being the benchmark.

Many journalists were eager to know if he would change his racing calendar in search of the form of old. Iban said that they hadn`t discussed his calendar in depth, but that the Tour would be one of his goals, and that he may take to the start in the Giro for the very first time to reach that goal. Besides from that, nothing more were revealed. Towards the end of the press-conference, he thanked the Saunier Duval bord of directors for their faith in him, and their offer. He also said that joining up with Angoitia and "Matxin" Fernandez was something he looked very much forward to. It was clear that he was happy with his decision.