Euskaltel and Iban ready for the Challenge Mallorca

The Challenge Mallorca, that will be held from the 11th to the 15th of February, will see 14 Euskaltel riders in action. The Vuelta a Mallorca, consisting of five one-day races, will see an Euskaltel line-up consisting of these 14 riders: Unai Etxebarria, Beñat Albizuri, Andoni Aranaga, Jorge Azanza, Koldo Fernández De Larrea, Aitor Hernández, Iban Iriondo, Antton Luengo, Iban Mayoz, Aketza Peña, Alan Pérez, Unai Uribarri, Joseba Zubeldia y Markel Irizar. As this isn`t formally a stage-race, every team participating can change line-ups from day to day, though riders hoping for an unofficial overall win, must compete in all five. According to Euskaltel director Jon Odriozola, who will lead the team for the first time on Sunday, Antton Luengo, Jorge Azanza and Andoni Aranaga are the main hopes for Euskaltel, as these are the most prepared and in-form riders.


Another team making its season debut on Sunday, is Euskaltel feeder-team Orbea. Orbea will send the whole team, with the main hopes being Juanjo Oroz and Xabat Otxotorena.


Iban will also kick-start his season on Sunday, and is believed to ride all five races. Iban will be in a strong-looking Saunier Duval team, consisting of himself, David Millar, Raúl Alarcón, Rubens Bertogliati, Iker Camaño, Juanjo Cobo, David de la Fuente, Jesús del Nero, Arkaitz Durán, Alberto Fernández, "Litu" Gómez, Gibo Simoni, Fran Ventoso, Remmert Wielinga, and Carlos Zárate. The last three stages should be suited to Iban`s qualities, with mountains and cols coming thick and fast.