Irizar impressing

Markel Irizar has had an encouraging start to the season. Today he raised eyebrows when he finished 40th in the Ronde van Vlaanderen, at the same time as number 22. Cobbles isn`t, unsurprisingly, his strong side, so he really made an impression on Euskaltel fans today. He also impressed in the Critérium International recently, where he placed an honourable 23rd overall. He also rode strongly in Paris-Nice. You could see Markel at the front of the peloton, working for Samu a couple of times, and in the end got a 49th overall placing. He`s looking solid, and certainly looks to becoming a useful rider for Euskaltel for the years to come. The fact that he`s also one of Euskaltel`s better TTers is also a testament to his qualities. He impressed on occasions last year, mainly in breaks and TTs in the Giro and the Vuelta, and if he continues his improvement, he`ll be one to look out for in the years to come without a doubt. Aupa Markel!