Koldo 15th on last Giro stage

Koldo Fernández placed 15th on the Giro d`Italia`s concluding stage today. As predicted, it all came down to a mass-sprint finish, where Koldo disappointed a bit and came in 15th. Koldo never found the perfect position, and was never in contention for the win. He started out too far back, something I`m sure he`s disappointed about. Though, anyway, it`s been a good three weeks for Koldo in Italy, as he managed to mix it with the best on several occasions. Another rider who`s enjoyed a good Giro, Markel Irizar, once again showed his strength today. When kamikazi Tinkoff rider Ignatiev jumped clear with some 25 km to go, Markel tried to bridge up to him. Markel got close to him, but in the end realised it would be fruitless anyway, so he gave it up and waited for the pack to reel him back in. Markel eventually came in 27th on the stage. Iván Velasco and Antton Luengo also came in with the peloton today. On GC, the four Euskaltel riders ended up :

• 68th, Markel Irizar, 1:58:39
• 76th, Iván Velasco, 2:10:24
• 136th, Koldo Fernández, 3:32:56
• 140th, Antton Luengo, 3:34:17

In the team rankings, Euskaltel got a lowly 20th, but in a way they are excused with all their injuries, abandonments and bad luck. My verdict on Euskaltel`s performance in the Giro is in fact a positive one. I`ve been impressed by most of them, and if Aitor and Dioni weren`t forced to abandon, I`m sure they would have won a stage. Aupa Euskaltel!