Euskaltel rider by rider; Part 1

In six different parts I will evaluate each one of the 30 Euskaltel riders, in alphabetical order. Here`s the first 5:

• Beñat Albizuri Aransoro had an okay 2006 season. The 25-year-old will hope to shine in the small stage-races next season. He rode the 2006 Giro, and is on the preliminary list for next year`s edition as well, but wont make the cut I`m afraid. Breakaways are perhaps his strongest side, so we`ll all hope to see more of that next year.
• Igor Antón Hernandez was one of the biggest surprises in the peloton this year, and will surely be one to watch the coming season. His climbing talent will most probably be on show come the Tour. Igor may also ride the Vuelta next year, but hopefully he`ll be peaking for the Tour. Gonzalez de Galdeano has stated that he may ride the Tour de Romandie, the Volta a Cataluñya, the Euskal Bizicleta or the Clasica Alcobendas.
• Lander Apperibay Aranda will be a neo-pro next year, so great things will not be expected of him just yet. There is a slight possibility that he might ride the Giro, but that might be too early. Will have the same role as this year`s neo-pros Uribarri and Iriondo had; riding in support of the team without aiming to peak for one specific race.
• Andoni Aranaga Azkune coped well during his first year in the Pro Tour ranks, but was unlucky at times. He will not ride the Giro like he did last year, but will instead be aiming for a strong start to the season and the classics. Andoni will hopefully get back to winning ways next year as he`s a rider capable of winning mass-sprints and in escapes.
• Mikel Astarloza Chaurrau was a key-signing for Euskaltel. His experience and palmarès will no doubt be very useful to the team. Astarloza is a banker for the Tour, and will no doubt be one of the protected riders in some races. His first objective of the season will be the Vuelta al Pais Vasco, where Euskaltel will be hoping for strong performances from Mikel and Samu.