Isasi to sign off in grand manner

The Basques sure love their cycling. In that regard it's no big surprise one of Euskal Herria's most popular riders, Iñaki Isasi, will be given the grandest of farewell-parties in his hometown next weekend.

The Respaldiza-native put an end to his 11-year career in professional cycling at the recent Paris-Tours in order to step into the role of directeur sportif in 2012. Regarded by some as 'Mister Euskaltel', Isasi has been a firm fans' favourite ever since he first raised eyebrows at the Tour de l'Avenir in 2002 and has donned the orange jersey of Euskaltel ever since. His home town will pay tribute to the rider affectionately known as 'the best sprinter in the world never to have won a race' next Sunday, reports BiciCiclismo.

The act will get underway with a reception in the city centre in the afternoon and will include a three-kilometre fun ride, a chance for fans to get their photos taken with the big man, a farewell-speech, a symposium on cycling, a children's bike race and a visit to the City Hall. To name but a few of the activities put on by the residents of Respaldiza.

Isasi may never have won a professional bike race, but he'll certainly be sorely missed by fans and riders alike.