Tuesday round-up

• As per tradition, Tour-bound riders and staff were present at Euskaltel headquarters in Zamudio yesterday to talk to the media ahead of their July adventure. All the big names, De Galdeano, Madariaga, Ardanza et al., were present, and the former once again spoke of the team's objectives, aspirations and all that. The team will depart for France tomorrow and will take with them local chef Patxi Gimeno on tour to make sure the riders get the food they want and need throughout the three weeks. Let's just hope he leaves his meat at home.
• Naturgas youngster Jon Larrinaga is back in training after an injury-enforced seven-week layoff, www.fundacioneuskadi.com reports. Larrinaga crashed out on day three of the Vuelta a Bidasoa back in early May.
• Talking of Naturgas, pretty much the entire team gathered in Olazti yesterday for a training session, reports Euskaltel's website. The riders trained on the parcours of the upcoming Vuelta a Madrid and DS Arberas and his staff used the session to gauge the riders' form ahead of the big rendezvous. One rider most definitely in form is Igor Merino. The all-rounder, fresh off his debut GiroBio, took silver in Friday's sub-23 time trial championships. Most of the guys not selected for the Basque team for the national championships over the weekend took part in a race in Tolosa the same day but, despite placing three riders in the main break, ended up empty-handed.