Where did they all go?

As Euskaltel`s 2007 roster is finalized, I thought it would be appropriate to take a look at those riders who unfortuantely couldn`t stay. In all, 8 riders have left Euskaltel for various reasons.

Iban Mayo`s situation and reasons for leaving don`t need any introduction. It`s all really sad, and he`ll be riding for Saunier Duval-Prodir for the next two seasons.

Iker Camaño will also be riding for Saunier Duval-Prodir next season. Euskaltel offered him a new contract, but he opted for a change of teams. Iker and Euskaltel still enjoy a very good relationship, as his choice was understandable and wasn`t as controversial as Mayo`s departure.

David Herrero Llorente really is a big loss for Euskaltel. After a brilliant first-half of the season, Euskaltel offered him a new contract. He was regarded as a future star of Spanish cycling, and he was due to make his Grand Tour debut in the Vuelta, where he was regarded as a possible top 10 finisher. But David and Euskaltel sadly couldn`t reach an agreement, alledgedly because of financial issues. David then surprisingly agreed to join new Spanish Continental team Karpin-Galicia, instead of numerous Pro Tour teams. The departure of David Herrero was really surprising, as he recorded impressive results, notably in the Euskal Bizicleta and the Tour de Suisse, and he was regarded as a possible future captain of the team. Really sad that money should be the issue, but as always, money talks....

David López Garcia was also a rider Euskaltel wanted to keep, but he opted to join fellow Pro Tour team Caisse d`Epargne-Illes Balears. After quite a good season, where he rode the Giro and the Tour and got to show his climbing legs on some occasions, Euskaltel were ready to keep him, though David had other ideas, unfortunately....

Joseba Albizu, Iker Flores, Gorka Gonzalez and Josu Silloniz were not offered new contracts, and none of them have been able to find a team so far. Though, they are all brilliant riders, so I guess it`s just a question of time.