Mikel Astarloza

The 27-year-old Mikel Astarloza Chaurrau from Ag2r Prévoyance is definetely the most well-known and accomplished rider joining Euskaltel this year. A pro since 2002 with Ag2r, he this year decided that a change of teams would suit him. Mikel is well known as a very good TTer and a good climber; a combination not too frequent among Basque cyclists. In 2003 he took his only win to date; the overall of the Tour Down Under. 2003 was a good year for him, as he ended the Dauphiné in 13th place overall, got the bronze medal in the Spanish TT championship and finished second in the young riders` competition in the Tour. Mikel has always recorded good overall results in the Tour, coming in 29th in 2003, 27th in 2005 and 36th this year. Mikel will no doubt be a very important man for Euskaltel next year. He`s already on the preliminary list for the Tour and will certainly be one of the protected riders for Euskaltel. His experience of being in the peloton for 4 years will also be a major help to an otherwise young Euskaltel line-up. His contract runs through 2008; let`s hope he stays at Euskaltel for the remainder of his career.