Breaking out of Haimar`s shadow

Joseba Zubeldia Aguirre is a rider most known for being the brother of Haimar. Born two years after his brother, Joseba has always been regarded as a talented cyclist who hasn`t been able to reach his full, and undoubted, potential. Joseba is more an all-rounder than a climbing specialist, so he can TT and climb reasonably well. Joseba joined Euskaltel in 2001 and has stayed here ever since. The thing about Joseba is that he`ll ride for the same team as Haimar no matter what. When Haimar was weighing up his options on where to ride next year earlier in the season, so too was Joseba. If Haimar had gone to, say, Saunier, so would Joseba have done. Luckily, Haimar and Joseba stayed.

Joseba has not won a race as a pro to date, though he came close in 2004, ending up 3rd on the overall classification of the Étoile des Besseges. 2006 has not been a good year for him, as he`s been hampered by injuries all the way. Though, Euskaltel have expressed their faith in him for the coming season, stating that "we hope he will continue to progress and take another step next year". Joseba will almost certainly ride the Giro next year, where I think he may be able to get a top 25 overall if he`s in reasonable condition. Joseba is certainly a talented rider; let`s just hope luck will be on his side for once next year.