Aitor Galdos for the Tour

According to the interview in Diario Vasco today, it seems very likely that Aitor Galdos will do the Tour in July if everything goes to plan. If that`s the case, it means Aitor will make his debut in the Grand Boucle. It was also revealed that he`ll ride the Ronde van Vlaanderen, Paris-Roubaix, Ghent-Wevelgem and the Dauphiné Libéré.

Aitor Galdos interview

Euskaltel sprinter Aitor Galdos Alonso, who joined from Ceramica Panaria, has been interviewed by Basque newspaper Diario Vasco. In an interesting interview, he discusses the joy of riding for his home-team, how the move came about, how he became pro, the wins last year and a lot more. Part 1: http://www.diariovasco.com/prensa/20070130/deportes/galdos-estilo-italiano_20070130.html Part 2: http://www.diariovasco.com/prensa/20070130/deportes/achicar-puedo-ganar_20070130.html

Aupa Iban!

I recently started a poll entitled "Euskaltel`s best ever rider". There were six riders to choose from; Haimar Zubeldia, Samu Sanchez, Roberto Laiseka, Unai Etxebarria, David Etxebarria and of course Iban. Though it`s far too early to close this poll, I thought I`d just give you my view on it.

Iban is, by far I reckon, Euskaltel`s best ever rider. He can`t match Roberto`s loyality, Haimar`s stability, David and Unai`s never-say-die attitude or Samu`s ability on all terrains. Though, then again, none of the above mentioned can match Iban`s greatness and class. Iban has brought Euskaltel something like 22 victories if I`m not mistaken; far better than anyone else on the team. I wouldn`t be surprised if Samu in some years matched it, but as it stands now, no one is even close. And then Iban is by far the most talented. Iban is probably one of the most gifted riders of his generation, and has by his victories in the Tour and in the Dauphiné brought Euskaltel fame far beyond the Basque country`s borders. Some might argue that Roberto`s win on Luz Ardiden in the 2001 Tour signalled Euskaltel`s arrival in the top echelons of the sport, and I`m not denying it, but Iban`s flair and rare climbing style has won him fans all over Europe. Iban has, until his departure, been the symbol of Euskaltel and Basque cycling for years, something that underlines his stature in the peloton. Iban has, as David Etxebarria once said, all it takes to win the Tour. The Tour has so far eluded him, but, hey, he`s not finished yet....

Murcia cancelled, Euskal shortened

The Spanish stage-race that Euskaltel always ride, the Vuelta a Murcia, has sadly been cancelled this year, courtesy of some economic problems. The Basque stage-race Euskal Bizicleta, where Euskaltel usually shine, haven´t been cancelled, but the number of stages have been reduced. Instead of the usual five stages, the race will now only hold three. Though, the organisers of both races have already stated that they aim to get their races back to normal standards next year. This will mean that Euskaltel, as well as Iban, will have to reconsider a part of the calendar.

Mixed reception for Euskaltel jersey

The new Euskaltel-Euskadi jersey, here worn by Aitor Hernandez, got a mixed respons on my poll "Rate the new Euskaltel shirt". The majority, 44 %, voted for "OK", while 31 % said "Liked the old one better. 13 % voted "Nice, looks better than last year`s". The remaining 12 % voted equally for "Beautiful" and "Worst they`ve ever had". Personally, I think it looks great. I especially like the black-coloured shorts to go with the light orange colour on the shirt. Looks perfect to Euskaltel`s Orbea bikes; black and orange.

Samu best Asturian of the year

Euskaltel leader Samu Sanchez has won the Best Asturian Sportsman of the Year award for 2006. Samu got the most votes from the associated press, and won the award in front of the likes of Formel 1 driver Fernando Alonso and footballer David Villa. Samu enjoyed a tremendous 2006, and he`s hoping for an even better 2007.

Roberto Laiseka honoured

At the Euskaltel-Euskadi presentation yesterday, Euskaltel climbing-great Roberto Laiseka was honoured. The newly-retired 37 year-old, who`d spent his entire career with Euskaltel, received a rapturous applaus before receiving the "oro de la Fundación Euskadi" by general director Miguel Madariaga. Roberto was obviously touched by the warm reception from the audience. Roberto said: "The only thing I want now, is that you (the supporters) continue supporting Euskaltel 100 %." Of course we will...

Euskaltel presentation

The Euskaltel-Euskadi team yesterday held it`s official presentation in the Palacio Euskalduna de Bilbao. The 29 riders, together with the staff and directors, were all present, as well as newly-retired Euskaltel legend Roberto Laiseka, earlier Tour de France director Jean-Marie Leblanc, Basque president Juan José Ibarretxe, general director of Euskaltel Alberto García Erauskin, general deputy of Vizcaya José Luis Bilbao, Orbea manager Miguel Ocaña and former cycling greats Abraham Olano and José Luis Korta. During the presentation, Roberto Laiseka was honoured, Madariaga spoke of "team spirit" and "illusions" and the team and the Fundacion Ciclista Euskadi were honoured in every single way.

Haimar calendar

According to Haimar`s interview in the El Mundo Deportivo yesterday, Haimar will begin his season in the Vuelta a Murcia. Haimar will once again peak for the Tour, his biggest goal, and will ride the Tour de Romandie and the Dauphiné to hone his form for July`s show-case event. Haimar confirmed he will not take part in Euskaltel`s home races, the Vuelta al Pais Vasco and the Euskal Bizikleta. Though he`s enjoyed great moments in these races earlier, Haimar felt that Romandie and Dauphiné was the way to go to get the necessary form and fitness for the Tour.

Haimar interview

Euskaltel leader and Tour de France-hope Haimar Zubeldia talked to Spanish sports daily El Mundo Deportivo yesterday. In this great interview, Haimar discusses his calendar, the changes at the team, Iban, his hopes for the future, his childhood and a lot more. Definetely one to read. Part 1: http://www.elmundodeportivo.es/20070124/NOTICIA246063371.html

Part 2: http://www.elmundodeportivo.es/20070124/NOTICIA247584026.html

Galparsoro operated

Euskaltel new-boy Dioni Galparsoro has underwent a successful operation to his right knee. The 28-year-old has felt pain in his knee for a long time, and therefore an operation was necessary. Dioni will spend the night at the hospital, but will be discharged Friday morning if everything goes to plan. He will then have to relax for a week or so, before hopefully returning to light training.

Iban and Simoni captains in Andalucia

Iban and Gilberto Simoni will share leadership-duties in the 53rd edition of the Vuelta a Andalucia. The five-day stage-race, which takes place from the 18th to the 22nd of February, will see Iban and Simoni spare-head a strong Saunier Duval line-up, hoping that one of their captains will deliver the goods.

Miguel Madariaga interview

In today`s edition of the Noticias de Gipuzkoa, you can read an interview with Euskaltel head Miguel Madariaga. He talks of the future plans, Iban, Osa and Beloki, the set-up in the team and so on. Part 1:

http://www.noticiasdegipuzkoa.com/ediciones/2007/01/24/deportes/ciclismo/d24cic54.458687.phpPart 2:http://www.noticiasdegipuzkoa.com/ediciones/2007/01/24/deportes/ciclismo/d24cic54.458688.php

The Fundacion Ciclista Euskadi renews deal with DFG

The Fundacion Ciclista Euskadi have renewed its agreement with the Diputacion Foral de Gipuzkoa. That means that the Fundacion will receive 1,8 million euros from the Gipuzkoan delegation over two years. The renewed and very important deal will end at the 31st of December 2008, and will give Euskaltel-Euskadi 900 000 euros each year. As part of this deal, Euskaltel will be committed to promote the region of Gipuzkoa in all races they take part in. Present at the disputation were Gipuzkoan riders Haimar and Joseba Zubeldia, Andoni Aranaga, Mikel Astarloza, Markel Irizar, Iban Iriondo, Lander Aperribay, Iban Velasco, Iban Mayoz, Jorge Azanza, Aitor Galdos, Aitor Hernandez and Gorka Verdugo, along with Messrs Madariaga, Galdeano, Odriozola, Gerrikagoitia and Carbayeda.

Pictures from Saunier Duval presentation/training camp

Intxausti, Duran, Iban, Camaño, Gil

Iban and Rubens Lobato

Iban and Koldo Gil

Iban, J.J. Cobo, Rubens Bertogliati

Iban and Koldo Gil

Iban and Matxin talk

Iban and his sports director at Saunier Duval, Joxean "Matxin" Fernandez, talked to Basque daily El Correo yesterday. The two talked about the issues cycling has to overcome, the Puerto scandal, the lack of privacy for pro cyclists and a lot more. An amusing read: http://www.elcorreodigital.com/vizcaya/prensa/20070121/deportes/ciclismo-necesita_20070121.html

Euskaltel finalizes training-camp

Euskaltel`s training camp in Alfaz del Pí, Alicante, will end tomorrow. The team did their last training-ride today, before heading back to Euskadi early Sunday morning. In total, each rider will have covered more than 1100 kms while in Alicante. The exceptions are Igor Antón and Dioni Galparsoro, who had troubles with the flu and knee pain respectively. All the Euskaltel directors and staff is said to be pleased with the result of the training camp. Everything went to plan, and every rider covered valuable kms for the fast-approaching season. Every day, the team were divided into three groups; the intensity of each group being the difference.

"I will return to be the one who beat Armstrong"

These words came from Iban in his latest interview with Spanish sports daily El Mundo Deportivo. He discusses the future, the past, the battles with Armstrong and so on. Read: http://www.elmundodeportivo.es/20070120/NOTICIA247178359.html

Isasi the best sprinter

According to the voters on "Best Euskaltel sprinter", fast-man Iñaki Isasi is by far the best sprinter at Euskaltel right now. Iñaki amassed an impressive 58 % of the votes, a long way ahead of Aitor Galdos who came second with 26 %, and Koldo Fernandez who received 16 % of the votes. Iñaki recorded several impressive results in sprints last year, most notably a third-place in a stage of the Tour de France. The fans favourite is hereby crowned the best sprinter at the team; though, will he better fellow fast-men Koldo and Aitor the coming season? That remains to be seen...

"Mayo is a star"

Those are the words of Iban`s new sports director at Saunier Duval, "Matxin" Fernandez. In his interview with Spanish daily DEIA, "Matxin" talks mostly of Iban; his admiration of Iban, Iban`s stature in the peloton, his strength and weaknesses and so on. He also talks of the other signings, his hopes for them etc. Definetely worth a

read:http://www.deia.com/es/impresa/2007/01/19/bizkaia/kirolak/328620.php

Iban and Angoitia interview

Iban and his close friend and Saunier directeur sportif Sabino Angoitia, have given an interview to Spanish daily Gara. They talk of their relationship, their history, Iban`s car-accident, his talent and a lot more. Definetely worth a read. Click: http://gara.net/idatzia/20070119/art197810.php

Yet another Iban interview

An interview with Iban can be read in today`s edition of Spanish newspaper Gara. In this interview he discusses all the usual things; his calendar, his pre-season, his illusions etc. Click and read: http://gara.net/idatzia/20070119/art197809.php

New jersey

Here`s a picture of the very new Euskaltel-Euskadi 2007 jersey, worn by Joseba Zubeldia. Personally, I think it looks nice. Nice logo and nice coulours. What do You think? Leave your comments...

Odriozola evaluates the Navarros

The Navarran contingent at Euskaltel is now up to four; five if you include sports director Jon Odriozola. Gorka Verdugo, Alan Perez, Jorge Azanza and Jon Bru are the riders from the Basque region, and here`s how fellow Navarran Jon Odriozola evaluates them in his own words:

• Gorka Verdugo: The reliability For us Euskaltel directors, Gorka is a guarantee. He`ll always turn in solid performances, no matter what race or state of form he`s in. He`s a very calm man, so I hope Gorka can take yet another step forward. He`s a rider for the important races. He made the cut for the Tour last year, and can definetely repeat that feat. He`s won our confidence.
• Alan Perez : Our bet for the future I have much confidence in him, and I know him very well. I directed him at Orbea, and I can tell you he`s the kind of rider who would give 100 % for the team at any time. He`s young and talented, so next year he`ll probably ride either the Giro or the Vuelta. We expect much of him, so he has to deliver some results this year.
• Jorge Azanza : The quality I like him and his attitude very much. He`s got the quality, and he`s got our confidence, so he may be the surprise of the season this year. Jorge will probably ride the Tour. If that doesn`t happen, he`ll anyway ride one of the other two GTs.
• Jon Bru : The winner We expect Jon to win some races for us next season, as he`s come here to win. He`s got the experience and the quality, and here he`ll definetely win some races; though how many I do not know. He`s in the prime age for a cyclist, so we expect the maximum of effort from him. He`s a classics rider, so he`ll ride all the big one-day classics for sure.
  
  From Noticias de Álava
  
  
  
  

Sabino Angoitia interview

Iban`s trusted friend, and now Saunier Duval directeur sportif, Sabino Angoitia talked to newspaper Noticias de Gipuzkoa yesterday. The result is an interesting interview, where he discusses his exit from Café Baqué, his relationship and expectations to Iban, David Etxebarria and a lot more. Read at:http://www.noticiasdegipuzkoa.com/ediciones/2007/01/18/deportes/ciclismo/d18cic58.452606.php

Detailed Iban calendar

This is how Iban`s announced calendar will look like. Though, he`ll race more races than this for sure, but this is the races that he`s definetely going to take part in; if not something unexpected turns up.

1. Challenge Mallorca 11.02.2007 - 15.02.2007
2. Vuelta a Andalucia 18.02.2007 - 22.02.2007
3. Paris-Nice 11.03.2007 - 18.03.2007
4. G.P. Miguel Índurain 07.04.2007
5. Vuelta al Pais Vasco 09.04.2007 - 14.04.2007
6. Clasica Amorebieta/Primavera 15.04.2007
7. Fleche Wallonne 25.04.2007
8. Liège-Bastogne-Liège 29.04.2007
9. Giro d`Italia 12.05.2007 - 03.06.2007
10. Tour de France 07.07.2007 - 29.07.2007
11. Clasica San Sebastian 04.08.2007

Another Iban interview

Iban has given an interview to Basque newspaper El Correo, which can be read if you click the links below. Here he talks of the usual stuff; his calendar, his new team, his objectives and so on. Part 1:http://www.elcorreodigital.com/vizcaya/prensa/20070118/deportes/mayo-cambia-calendario_20070118.html . Part 2: http://www.elcorreodigital.com/vizcaya/prensa/20070118/deportes/aprendido-cauto_20070118.html

"Matxin" praises Iban

Saunier Duval head "Matxin" Fernandez praised Iban on the Saunier Duval presentation today. "Matxin" said of Iban: "He is a superb rider; he is always in the news, if he goes well or if he does badly. Mayo should be a great contribution for Saunier Duval-Prodir, in all senses." Looks like he`s pleased with his capture....

Matxin:"Iban our Tour captain"

At the coming Tour de France, Iban will be the undisputed leader of his new team, Saunier Duval. On the Saunier Duval presentation today, Saunier director "Matxin" said that Iban will be their captain for the three-week stage-race. His support team will include the likes of climbing greats Koldo Gil and Gomez Marchante, as well as TT specialist David Millar. The rest of the peloton is hereby warned...

Matxin:"Iban and Gibo Giro leaders"

Saunier Duval director Joxean "Matxin" Fernandes stated on his teams presentation today that Iban will be a co-leader for the Giro d`Italia. "In the Giro, Simoni and Mayo will be our leaders", "Matxin" said. Most people thought that Iban would be riding support for Gibo in his home race, but it now seems that they are on equal terms as far as leadership-duties are assumed. Great news for Iban; being team leader in the most mountainous GT must be a dream come true.

Unai Etxebarria interview

An interview with Euskaltel veteran Unai Etxebarria can be read at the website of Spanish daily DEIA. He talks of his thoughts on being the oldest in the team, his calendar for next year, the good old days, and a lot more. Read here: http://www.deia.com/es/impresa/2007/01/18/bizkaia/kirolak/328280.php

Miguel Madariaga interview

Euskaltel head Miguel Madariaga has given an interview to Basque daily El Correo. Miguel discusses the conflict between the UCI and the event organizers, DNA testing, the future of Basque cycling, the future of the sport, Igor Galdeano and his hopes for the future. Click and read part 1: http://www.elcorreodigital.com/vizcaya/prensa/20070117/deportes/este-deporte-tocado-fondo_20070117.html . Part 2: http://www.elcorreodigital.com/vizcaya/prensa/20070117/deportes/este-equipo-ningun-director_20070117.html

Samu Sánchez interview

There are interviews with Euskaltel riders everywhere these days, and Noticias de Gipuzkoa today included an interview with Samu Sánchez. The Euskaltel team-leader talked of the departure of Iban and Roberto, the new arrivals, the changes in the squad, Igor Galdeano, Julian Gorospe, leadership duties, DNA testing and ambitions for the season. Read here: http://www.noticiasdegipuzkoa.com/ediciones/2007/01/17/deportes/ciclismo/d17cic50.451425.php

Euskaltel for the Tour

According to Euskaltel-Euskadi Blog (http://euskaltel.ilblog.it/), the Euskaltel team for the Tour de France is practically completed. If everything goes to plan, four riders will make their Tour debut in July. Aitor Galdos, Igor Antón, Jorge Azanza and Amets Txurruka will probably be joined by Haimar Zubeldia, Iñigo Landaluze, Iñaki Isasi, Mikel Astarloza and Gorka Verdugo. Seems like a great team to me. There are sprinters, TTers, climbers and "breakawayers" on this line-up, something that should make Euskaltel capable of winning any stage.

Iban: "CSC wanted me"

In Iban`s interview with Marca, he reveals CSC`s interest in him. Prior to joining Saunier, Iban says that he had contract offers from three or four Pro Tour teams, one of them being from CSC. CSC, widely regarded as the best team in the world, wanted Iban alongside mountain-gout and GC specialist Carlos Sastre in the Tour. Iban said Carlos wanted Iban to assist him, but that he chose Saunier, and he`s is in no doubt that he did the right thing. Quite interesting to see how high Iban is regarded in the sport; even after a dismal 2006, considering his high standards, the best team in the world wanted to sign him.

Iban interview

In today`s edition of Spanish sports daily Marca, you can read an interview with Iban. Iban tells about his reasons for changing teams, how his training is going, his Tour and Giro plans, and a lot more. Read and enjoy:

http://www.marca.com/edicion/marca/ciclismo/es/desarrollo/729436.html

Igor Antón interview

Up-and-coming climbing-prodigy Igor Antón has given an intrevista Basque daily DEIA. This is definetely a interview to read, as Igor talks of his Tour aspirations, the loss of Roberto Laiseka, how he hopes to improve as a rider, the last year and so on. As usual, I`ll just give you the link to the interview, as I`m not a fan of reproducing other`s interviews as my own. Read here: http://www.deia.com/es/impresa/2007/01/17/bizkaia/kirolak/327962.php

Euskaltel training-camp update 3

Today the Euskaltel riders enjoyed their most relaxing day so far. After a lengthy photo-session followed by a 6 hour spin yesterday, the riders today rode for about 3 hours before relaxing back at the hotel for the rest of the day. The first of the three groups, containing Mikel Astarloza, Beñat Albizuri, Koldo Fernandez de Larrea, Andoni Aranaga, Aitor Hernandez, Dioni Galparsoro and Igor Antón, covered 80 kilometers in about 2 hours, under the guidance of Xabier Carbayeda. The second group, Haimar and Joseba Zubeldia, Iñaki Isasi, Iban Iriondo, Amets Txurruka, Aitor Galdos, Unai Uribarri, Gorka Verdugo, Iñigo Landaluze and Aketza Peña, covered 115 kilometers in 3 hours, accompanied by Jon Odriozola. The last group, including Lander Aperribay, Iban Mayoz, Antton Luengo, Jon Bru, Andoni Lafuente, Ivan Velasco, Alan Perez, Markel Irizar, Samuel Sanchez, Unai Etxebarria, Rubén Perez and Jorge Azanza, covered approximately the same distance as group 2. Gorka Gerrikagoiria supervised the riders on their 3 hour spin.

The training for Thursday will be mainly the same as for Wednesday, with, though with some exceptions, the same riders covering the same distance with the same directeur sportif. Though, there is one change planned, and that is that at around 12 o`clock, all the three groups will join eachother for some light training.

Jon Odriozola interview

New Euskaltel sports director Jon Odriozola has given an interview to the daily newspaper Noticias de Gipuzkoa. Jon speaks of his move from Orbea, his hopes for the season, his achievements in the sport, the "Euskaltel family" and a lot more. Part 1: http://www.noticiasdegipuzkoa.com/ediciones/2007/01/16/deportes/ciclismo/d16cic56.449794.php Part two: http://www.noticiasdegipuzkoa.com/ediciones/2007/01/16/deportes/ciclismo/d16cic56.449793.php

Iban`s fanbase

When I started up this page, I had this idea that I was about the only foreign supporter of Iban. I thought there were only Spanish fans, but since the "launch" of the site, I`ve received e-mails from all-over Europe; e-mails from people who are die-hard Iban fans. I`ve received mails from the Netherlands, Germany, the Czech Republic, Italy and Belgium, just to name a few. It`s really encouraging to see so many support Iban, as well as Euskaltel, and who likes my page. One of the main reasons I started this blog, was that I felt there weren`t many places to go if you were looking for stuff on Iban unless you spoke Spanish. I hope there`s now an alternative to translating Spanish sites of news about Iban. Too see so many people from so many different countries visit my page is truly encouraging. Keep on checking into Iban Mayo Blog for updates, news and stories about the most talented cyclist of his generation.

Another Galdeano interview

An interview with Euskaltel technical director Igor Gonzalez de Galdeano can be read in today`s edition of DEIA. In this interesting interview, he reveals who he expects to win races for the team next year, why he wont miss Iban, how the team will cope without Roberto Laiseka, next year`s ambitions etc. Read: http://www.deia.com/es/impresa/2007/01/16/bizkaia/kirolak/327622.php

Euskaltel training-camp update 2

The training in Alfaz del Pí is going as planned for all Euskaltel riders. Yesterday, the group that will be hoping for a strong start to the season rode 180 km, which included 4 ascents. Samu, Mikel Astarloza and Jon Bru were among the riders in this group. The group of the Zubeldias, Landaluze and Galdos rode 150 km, as did the group of Verdugo, Luengo and Peña. Tuesday will see the official photos being taken, before they head out for training later in the day.

Igor Gonzalez de Galdeano interview

Euskaltel technical director Igor Gonzalez de Galdeano has given yet another interview to Basque daily el Diario Vasco. Though, this is not the usual interview about ambitions, the future, the calendar and so on. In this intereview, Igor answers questions on a rider`s optimal weight, his own weight when he was active, the "togetherness" of the squad, the changes made at Euskaltel, the rider`s training etc. Read it, it`s definetely worth a read: http://www.diariovasco.com/prensa/20070115/deportes/equipo-base-tour-tranquilidad_20070115.html .

Euskaltel aiming on Vuelta al Pais Vasco

One of the upcoming season`s major goals, the Vuelta al Pais Vasco, will see Euskaltel going for stage-wins as well as overall honours. Last year, Samu took two stage-wins in Euskaltel`s home race, and will be hoping for an overall win this time around. As the race is one of the team`s main objectives, a big part of the roster is already been made official. Together with Samu, Gorga Verdugo, Mikel Astarloza, Jon Bru, Jorge Azanza and Dioni Galparsoro will do the Pro Tour stage race.

New Euskaltel masseur

The well-known Basque masseur Gabino Ereñozaga has joined Euskaltel. Igor Galdeano decided to take him on, as Gabino was a masseur at, amongst others, ONCE and Liberty Seguros some years ago; two of Igor`s previous teams. Welcome, Gabino.

Markel Irizar becomes a father

Congratulations to Markel Irizar Aranburu, who became a father for the first time yesterday. His wife, Alaitz, gave birth to a boy, called Xabat. The boy weighed in at 3.7 kg, and is said to be healthy and perfectly well-born.

Euskaltel training-camp update 1

The Euskaltel training camp in Alfaz del Pí, Alicante, is well underway. The training camp, which started yesterday and will end next Sunday, will see Euskaltel prepare thoroughly for the season ahead. The first training session was held today, and saw the team seperated in 3 groups, with each group taking a different route. The first group, consisting of Mikel Astarloza, Rubén Perez, Beñat Albizuri, Aitor Hernandez, Samuel Sanchez, Unai Etxebarria, Antton Luengo, Markel Irizar, Jorge Azanza and Andoni Aranaga rode for 160 km. The riders that make up this group are planned to start the season in good shape, and therefore trained with some intensity. The second group, consisting of the Zubeldia brothers, Iban Iriondo, Koldo Fernandez, Amets Txurruka, Aitor Galdos, Unai Uribarri and Iñigo Landaluze rode approximately 150 km before returning to the hotel. The rest of the riders underwent some lenghty physical tests on the roller, all except of Dioni Galparsoro, suffering with knee pains, and Igor Antón, who`s got symptoms of the flu, who were limited to a couple of hours of riding.

The plans have been made for Monday`s training sessions already. The 29 riders will be divided into three groups, roughly the same groups as mentioned above, and will ride a quite hilly 140 km route.

Antón the best climber

The poll "Best Euskaltel climber" gave some,to me at least, surprising results. 59 % of the votes went to young prodigy Igor Antón, while the more seasoned pros Haimar Zubeldia, Roberto Laiseka and Samu Sanchez received 18 %, 14 % and 9 % respectively. Seems like Igor has got something to live up to now:)

San Diego trip to be repeated

The three Euskaltel riders Samu Sanchez, Igor Antón and Haimar Zubeldia has, according to Igor Gonzalez de Galdeano, made big improvements while being in San Diego. Igor said that they`ve improved their positions, tried out new gear, new clothes and different set-ups on the bike. They`ve all got room for improvement, especially Igor Antón, who`s the youngest and the least experienced. Antón will, according to the wind-tunnel folks over in San Diego, ride a minute faster over 50 km, at least. The trip was so successful that Gonzalez de Galdeano is already thinking of a repeat of the trip, either with a few other riders, or, in fact, the whole team.