Briefs

• Javier Aramendía looks set to join Caja Rural. The 24-year-old did not get his contract renewed at Euskaltel after four years with the team, and will, according to BiciCiclismo, team up with erstwhile team-mate Aitor Galdós at the Spanish Pro Conti team. The move marks a homecoming of sorts for the Funes, Navarra native, who spent his formative years at Caja Rural's amateur team prior to joining Euskaltel.
• Orbea will today embark on their last race of the season; the Tour d'Empordá. The Conti team will send the following six riders to the French three-stage event according to Euskaltel's homepage: Aberasturi, Sáez, Etxebarria, Bizkarra, Bagües, García.