Galdeano evaluates the Gipuzkoans

In today`s edition of Spanish sports daily El Mundo Deportivo, Euskaltel technical director Igor Gonzalez de Galdeano gave his opinion on the 10 Gipuzkoans on the team for 2007. Here`s how he assessed each one of them:

• Haimar Zubeldia: After Iban left us, Haimar will assume leadership in the team. Haimar will once again focus on the Tour, where he was brilliant last year. However, he wants to take another step this year as he`s a very important rider for us. He must continue improving, and we think he will.
• Mikel Astarloza: He`s got lots of experience despite his tender age. After spending five years with Ag2R, he returns home to Euskaltel, where he`s got a lot to contribute. We hope that he continues improving in the orange of Euskaltel.
• Dioni Galparsoro: He`s a veteran, and we hope his experience will show dividends at the end of the season. He gives us the solidity we need.
• Markel Irizar: He`s a team-player. He will continue as he did last year, and we hope he`ll keep on improving this season. Though, he`s young, so he`s got many years ahead of him.
• Andoni Aranaga: An important rider, we hope he`ll be able to find the form of 2005, when he won two races. 2006 wasn`t a good year for him, but he`s surely a rider that can win races for us.
• Iban Iriondo: Made his debut on this level last year. We`re expecting great things from him, but it`s important to give him time as he`s still young. Because of his tender age, we`ll be cautious with him.
• Lander Aperribay: This will be his first year in the Pro Tour, but we`re sure he can handle it, as we`ve got many good references on him. We`ve followed him closely, so we hope he will adapt to the level.
• Iban Velasco: We have high hopes for this rider, as the references of him have been really good. Although it`ll be his first year in the Pro Tour, we think he`s got the necessary experience and quality to confront a long and hard season.
• Joseba Zubeldia: He`s one of the veterans in the team, and we hope he`ll continue to progress. His work for the team has been fundamental these last years, and we think he`s got the qualities needed to take another step in the right direction.
• Iban Mayoz: We hope this can be his year. He is in the ideal age for a cyclist, and as he`s a good all-rounder, he`ll be very useful this year.