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....