Velasco signs on

Climber Iván Velasco has inked a new one-year deal with the team. The 30-year-old Arrasate native's current deal expires at the end of the year, but his impressive riding this year meant it was a no-brainer for Galdeano to offer him a new deal. The former Orbea rider, who made his Tour debut this year in fine style, has steadily progressed while with the team, and has now become a rider frequently picked for the team's biggest races. If he avoids injury and sickness for the rest of the year, look for him to take yet another step in the right direction in 2011. Watch this space.