Díaz optimistic despite losses

Despite his team losing two riders on the day of it's official presentation, Orbea directeur sportif Álex Díaz retains an optimistic view of the year ahead. With his roster being reduced from 13 to 11 riders due to Peio Bilbao's signing for Euskaltel and Joseba Larralde's decision to retire, Orbea might look short number-wise, but Díaz thinks they'll cope. "Generally, 11 riders is enough", he told Biciciclismo in Mallabia earlier today. "We'll see how the season pans out, and we hope we'll be lucky when it comes to injuries." Quizzed about the season in front of them, he revealed Orbea will take part in some as of yet unfamiliar races. "Our intention is to expand the calendar. We'll dispute the races we did last year, and we'll add some new ones in France and Portugal. The team is different compared to last year. We're much more mature now. I feel the riders are more motivated and ready to work as well. I'm very pleased. And with Euskaltel Euskadi just 'above', they've got that added incentive".