Iban Mayo Blog

Brief: Cyclo-cross worlds

2012-01-29T19:26:00.003+01:00

Saying the cyclo-cross world championships could have gone better for the Spanish delegation would be an understatement. The sandy course in the Belgian town of Koksijde took its toll on the juniors as well as the elites, leaving Suárez, Hernández, Larriñaga and co. hoping for better luck next year.

Elite race:

Despite promising showings in World Cup races leading up to the big day, the five Spaniards on the start line failed to deliver. Former mountain bike world champ José Antonio Hermída had a decent run to finish 20th - not bad for an off-roader, while Egoitz Murgoitio - arguably Spain's top rider - crashed right at the start, took a hit to the knee and posted a DNF. Javier Ruiz de Larriñaga, making his fifth appearance at the worlds, didn't find his rhythm and had to settle for 41st, three laps down. The former Kaiku pro was eliminated from the race by the judges upon crossing the line - along with new national champ Isaac Suárez, Orbea rider Aitor Hernández and everyone else bar the 24 first - and was seething when speaking to the press. "I'm pissed off. I don't understand the judges: when was the last time only 24 riders completed the world championships? I don't know why they were so harsh". No matter how harsh the judges were, it was a rather meek performance from the elite men.

Sub-23 race:

Entirely as predicted, Lars Van Der Haar ran away with the under-23 crown, beating Wietse Bosmans by a single second. Jonathan Lastra faired reasonably well to finish 37th at just one lap down, while Pablo Rodríguez finished four places further back. The Gómez brothers, Jon and Iñigo, found the going tougher and finished up 43rd and 45th respectively.

Junior race:

New national champ Kevin Suárez, Isaac's nephew, finished more than five minutes down on Raymond Poulidor's grand-son Mathieu Van Der Pool among the juniors to finish up 33rd. José Manuel Ribera was the Iberian Peninsula's top finished in 32nd, while Jaime Campo placed 49th.

News round-up

2012-01-28T16:16:00.005+01:00

Ricardo García made his Euskaltel bow at the recently-concluded Tour Down Under, deeming himself "satisfied" with his overall performance. While his schedule for the remainder of the year is far from complete at this early stage of the season, the former Orbea rider admits taking part in the Vuelta in August would be a dream. "It would be nice to be included in the team for the Vuelta", he told sprintespecial.blogspot.com. "But hey, I've got a lot of riding to do before being embarking on a Grand Tour.
A new Basque has just turned professional: Pierre Cazaux's training mate Damien Branaa will don the jersey of Burgos 2016 this year after a few injury-plagued years. Click here to read more about the 25-year-old French Basque.
Upon returning from the training camp in Alicante, the team will pay parish priest of the Church of San Miguel, José Antonio Goitia, a visit, reports the team's website. Riders and staff will offer a signed jersey to the patron saint of the Basque capital - the Virgen Blanca.
The Basque Country, and the whole of Spain for that matter, will be left without a race on the UCI's cyclo-cross World Cup calendar next year. Igorre, Ibán Mayo's place of birth, were left off the schedule, with Italian capital Rome coming in to replace the cash-strapped Basque race.

Samu to head Andalucía charge

2012-01-28T09:04:00.005+01:00

Euskaltel will honour one of the few Spanish stage-races left on the calendar with a star-studded line-up next month. The Vuelta a Andalucía will be held as normal over five days from the 19th to the 23rd of February, and the team will look to put their mark on the event with seven riders from the top shelf.

Samuel Sánchez will lead a team comprised of Igor Antón, Mikel Landa, Egoi Martínez, Juan José Oroz, Pablo Urtasun and Gorka Verdugo, writes esciclismo.es. The riders will take in one individual time trial and several relatively flat stages suited for the sprinters for a total of 635,4 kilometres.

Giro team shaping up

2012-01-27T00:07:00.007+01:00

While the fact that Mikel Nieve will lead the team at this year's Giro d'Italia has been known for quite a while already, the name of the riders who'll accompany the featherweight escalador has largely been kept under wraps until now. As the riders were heading out for another day in the saddle in the warmth of Alicante yesterday, the team leaders shed some light on who'll form the crux of the team come May.

Gara reports Miguel Mínguez will return to the site of his breakthrough in 2011, while Jon Izagirre will be given his first taste of three-week action. Amets Txurruka, who's almost exclusively focussed on the Tour in the past, will be one of Nieve's key helpers on a terrain that should suit him more than the French countryside. Iván Velasco will be the other climber designated to aid Nieve in his search for a top ten on general classification, while the rock solid Juan José Oroz will also do his part to ensure the conqueror of Gardeccia keeps out of trouble.

New-boy Adrián Sáez, who made a solid impression at the Tour Down Under recently, is likely to make his Grand Tour bow, while there may also be room for youngsters like Peio Bilbao or perhaps even a fit-again Romain Sicard in the line-up.

Quite a few of the riders doubled up on the Giro and the Vuelta last year, and that's likely to be the case again this season. However, only one rider is likely to go on to the Grand Boucle in July after completing the Giro.

Team's future not worrying "Gerri"

2012-01-26T23:46:00.004+01:00

While the team's future post-2012 continues to be the subject of conjecture in Spanish and international media alike, the man responsible for the whole team (on the sporting side anyway) refuses to let it bother him. Gorka Gerrikagoitia cut a relaxed figure at the team's training camp in Alicante when Gara asked for his opinion on the team's current predicament.

"I can't imagine cycling without Euskaltel", he said. "I consider that possibility (the team folding) so remote that I'm only concentrating on doing my job. If we do well, we won't struggle to stay afloat. The UCI's points system is not the most convenient for our team, but our objective is nonetheless to stay on in the WorldTour and give responsibility to riders so they can collect points towards the ranking."

In the hunt for points to boost Euskaltel's standing, the former professional says a good start to the campaign is key.

"It'll be important for us to start well given the changes in the team's structure. If we achieve results early on, the riders' motivation and confidence will grow and the whole team will be able to perform better. Igor (González de Galdeano) is no longer with us and Miguel Madariaga will take the helm, but we should all do our bit to ensure everything goes well. We're all united in this team, and we'll take this project forward."

Injured A Pérez sits out team camp

2012-01-26T23:37:00.003+01:00

Álan Pérez has been forced to skip the team's training camp on the Costa Blanca because of a knee complaint.

Various Spanish sources this week report the versatile 29-year-old to be suffering from a mild knee injury. The injury is not expected to hamper the former Orbea rider's season in any meaningful way, but it is apparently still enough to set him out of action.

Pérez is, along with the seven riders who just got home from the Tour Down Under, the only rider missing in action in Alicante. He's likely to be one of the protected riders in the cobbled classics later this year.

Urtasun to spearhead sprint department

2012-01-26T23:21:00.003+01:00

Pablo Urtasun will move away from the role as Euskaltel's utility rider and instead become the team's go-to-man in the sprint finishes. So says the team's main DS, Gorka Gerrikagoitia.

Basque newspaper Gara today reports from the team's training camp in Alicante, and says the 31-year-old is now the "fastest rider on the team" in the wake of Koldo Fernández's departure. Urtasun has been seen towing along the team's GC hopefuls in the Grand Tours as well the aforementioned Fernández and Isasi in the sprints ever since his move to the team in January 2009, but his days as a domestique are now evidently over.

The former team CSC stagiare will co-lead the team along with Álan and Rubén Pérez at Paris-Roubaix and the Ronde van Vlaanderen this spring, while he'll channel his energy the rest of the season on securing the team valuable top finishes on the flatter stages in week-long stage-races.

Notoriously underrated throughout his career, the speedy Urdiain, Navarra, native actually has five professional victories to his name, of which two stage-wins in the Vuelta a Asturias stand out. Check out his complete profile here.

2012 team presentation - online!

2012-01-25T19:54:00.003+01:00

In a bid to please an ever-increasing fan base, Euskaltel's team presentation on Monday will for the first time be broadcast live over the internet.

The team's website reports this year's presentation will be staged in the Basque Country's capital, Vitoria-Gasteiz. As usual, all riders, staff, local celebrities and scribes will be present to view the class of '12 up close. If you fancy getting up close and personal yourself, click this link on Monday the 30th.

Seguros Bilbao reveal 2012 roster

2012-01-25T14:22:00.009+01:00

Basque sub-23 talent-factory Seguros Bilbao have unveiled their class of 2012. The team will count on 18 riders - none born later than 1990 - to bring the outfit success on the national and regional calendar. The former home of the likes of Beñat Intxausti, Jonathan Castroviejo and the Izagirre brothers, will be led by former Euskaltel rider César Solaun as main DS, while erstwhile Orbea and Euskaltel pro Unai Uribarri will act as the team's mechanic.

Full roster:

Cristobal Sánchez (1990)
Miguel Abellan (1991)
Marcos Jurado (1991)
Alexander Unzueta (1991)
Eneko Corral (1992)
Egoitz Fernández (1992)
Sergio Rodríguez (1992)
Julen Amézqueta (1993)
Bernardo Ayusa (1993)
Aitor Bilbao (1993)
Angel Camarena (1993)
Imanol Díaz (1993)
David Galarreta (1993)
Alexis Gandía (1993)
Igor Gómez (1993)
Victor Guantes (1993)
Hector Sáez (1993)
Gotzon Udondo (1993)

GP Induráin update: private sponsors pull out

2012-01-24T00:12:00.002+01:00

It was reported last week that traditional Basque one-day classic GP Miguel Induráin might not see the light of day this year due to budgetary shortcomings. Public funding was likely to be reduced and sponsors from the private sector were having trouble coming up with the money needed to stage Navarra's only professional bike race. It now transpires there are no private sponsors. They've all pulled out, reports El Diario de Navarra.

In the coming days, organizers of the race will meet with the director of the Institute of Sport in Navarra to get some clarity on the issue. Head of the institute, Miguel Pozueta, was not giving anything away when speaking to the press a few days ago.

"It's an important race and therefore also an expensive one, but we'll have to talk it over with them (the organizers)", Pozueta said. "The budgetary cuts will affect everyone, them included".

The regional government will continue their backing of the race, but will reduce their support with approximately 10-15%. That means public money will cover just about half the budget. The local cycling club CC Estella, organizers of the hilly classic won last year by Samuel Sánchez, aren't having an easy time finding the other half.

"Private companies don't know if they'll be able to support us, so they prefer to be cautious instead".

Ispaster: Orbea double up on podium

2012-01-22T19:40:00.003+01:00

Orbea put two riders on the podium in today's final Basque cyclo-cross race in Ispaster.

As ever, there was no beating Egoitz Murgoitio; the Hirumet rider outclassed his rivals to grab his 13th triumph of the year. Aitor Hernández and Rubén Ruzafa made sure Orbea didn't leave empty handed though by comfortably landing second and third respectively. The duo didn't leave fourth-placed Cofidis pro Arnaud Labbe with much of a chance, distancing the 35-year-old Frenchman with more than 60 seconds, while Aketza Peña closed out the top five a handful of minutes in arrears.

Murgoitio's team-mate Jonathan Lastra came home sixth and thus won the sub-23 classification, while Jaime Campo beat Alex Araburu in the juniors' race.

Hernández and Ruzafa's team-mate, the on-fire Rocío Gamonal, took out the women's race, while Eider Merino again proved strongest among the juniors.

Elite results:

1, Egoitz Murgoitio, 1:03:03
2, Aitor Hernández, 2:17
3, Rubén Ruzafa, 2:41
4, Arnaud Labbe, 3:51
5, Aketza Peña, 5:00

Sub-23 results:

1, Jonathan Lastra

Junior results:

1, Jaime Campo
2, Alez Araburu
3, Simon

Elite women results:

1, Rocío Gamonal
2, Olatz Odriozola
3, Naia Alzola

Women junior results:

1, Eider Merino

Tour Down Under stage 6

2012-01-22T11:08:00.002+01:00

Euskaltel closed out the Tour Down Under with a battling performance in today's early hours. The sixth and final stage of the WorldTour event wasn't particularly suited to the outfit, what with it's flat, 20-lap, 90km criterium in the streets of Adelaide, but the riders were nonetheless keen to put their mark on the race by featuring in the early breaks.

Gorka Izagirre, who failed to live up to his own lofty standards in yesterday's stage to Willunga, infiltrated the huge, early breakaway that quickly built up a decent lead. The strong-looking break was never likely to succeed though and was duly reeled in without too much of a fuss. Romain Sicard made a late and bold move in the closing stages, but there was no escaping the sprint finish. The dash for the line was as anticipated one for big German Greipel, who led home a 63-man first group. R Pérez and Sáez were part of that group, while Izagirre crossed the line in 91st at 36 seconds. García finished up his first WorldTour race in 110th at 1:05. Sicard was 125th at 4:28, while Urtasun and Cabedo both failed to finish.

These results made for the following final general classification:

40, Gorka Izagirre
56, Rubén Pérez
65, Romain Sicard
83, Adrián Sáez
91, Ricardo García

The team finished 16th in the teams' classification.

Hernández dominates Talamillo-field

2012-01-22T10:55:00.003+01:00

Aitor Hernández revved up for today's concluding Basque cyclo-cross race in Ispaster by taking out the Memorial Talamillo yesterday.

The Orbea rider cruised to his sixth win of a break-out campaign by besting José Antonio Díez Arriola by half a minute. The race, which also counted as the regional Castilla y León championships, was a rather closed affair right from the off. The duo quickly gapped the competition and were left to fight it out for the win between them. The fast nature of the course suited the erstwhile Euskaltel stalwart to a tee, while Díez Arriola had to settle for the second step on the podium ahead of Óscar Vazquez in third.

Reigning regional champ Martín Mata regained his title by coming home fifth.

"I'm my own biggest rival"

2012-01-21T13:22:00.003+01:00

For the third year running, Igor Antón will line up at the Vuelta a España as one of the biggest, if not the biggest, favourite later this season. While the 28-year-old failed to come up with the goods in 2011, he's hoping foregoing the Giro and the Tour might propel him to glory this time around. With a number of the sport's top stage-racers likely to opt out of the Spanish GT, the stage is pretty much set for the native of Galdakao. It's telling he rates himself as his biggest rival.

"I'm more mature than I've been before", he told Marca. "I've grown. I'm not just a climber anymore, as I've improved in the classics and in the time trials. I'm not making the mistakes I used to. I hate to go out public saying I'll do this or that, but I do tend to reach the goals I set myself."

Antón refuses to say he's aiming for the Vuelta's top step of the podium, instead claiming he's just hoping to do as well as he did in 2008 and in 2010.

"It might be an advantage just doing one GT next year. I want to emulate what I did in 2008 and 2010. I know how far I can go, but I'm yet to finish it off. My biggest challenger might turn out to be myself".

After the unveiling of the race's 2012 parcours, team leader Samuel Sánchez was quoted as saying the race was made for perennial candidate Jaoquín Rodríguez. According to the Spanish daily, it was all part of a larger strategy from the team to keep the pressure off their featherweight escalador. Antón for his part thinks Euskaltel is the ideal team to help him achieve his goal.

"We all get along very well here. And the support we get from our fans is unlike what you'll find anywhere else", he concluded.

Tour Down Under stage 5

2012-01-21T12:25:00.002+01:00

After setting himself up nicely for a tilt at the overall through a week of solid racing, Gorka Izagirre let himself down with an off-colour performance in today's all-important penultimate stage to the top of Old Willunga Hill. As a 30-or-so strong lead-group formed as the peloton went over the climb the first time around, Izagirre was conspicuous by his absence. As was Euskaltel altogether. The 24-year-old eventually went on to finish 44th at a big 4:02, and thus ceding all hopes of a top GC placing. R Pérez and García trailed 7:09 by stage's end in 64th and 65th respectively, while Sicard proved he's still finding his feet with a 70th place, 7:41 down on classy winner Valverde. Sáez finished up 88th at 12:02, while Urtasun and Cabedo crossed the line inside the gruppetto at 16:42.

Post-race, Izagirre was at a loss to explain his performance. "I didn't perform as I had expected to. The performance doesn't reflect my state of form though, but I don't know why I wasn't at my best. The heat... I don't know what happened. I didn't do well and I wasn't at my game", the 24-year-old told the team's website. "Though I didn't do well, I'd like to thank my team for the work they've done throughout this race. They've been with me all the time, and I hope I can pay them back in the future".

GC:

40, Gorka Izagirre, 4:12
55, Romain Sicard, 15:36
57, Rubén Pérez, 17:15
85, Adrián Sáez, 25:52
88, Ricardo García, 27:29
125, Pablo Urtasun, 46:23
130, Victor Cabedo, 47:25

Briefs: Euskaltel/Naturgas/Comins

2012-01-20T21:38:00.004+01:00

To finalize preparations for the Spanish season opener at Mallorca, all Euskaltel riders not racing in Australia at present will convene on the Costa Blanca this coming Sunday for a team camp. The 16 riders will stay on the east coast 'till Sunday the 29th, before heading up to Basque capital Vitoria-Gasteiz to meet up with the Tour Down Under-seven for another three days of training, reports the team's own website.
The team's affiliate, under-23 outfit Naturgas Energía, will get together all its riders for a team training session along the coast of Bizkaia this Sunday. "This session will be longer and more intense than the previous ones to enhance the riders' condition", DS Iñigo Urretxua told www.fundacioneuskadi.com
New Naturgas recruit Pablo Comins is harbouring hopes of featuring in the London Olympics, believe it or not. www.elperiodic.com reports the 18-year-old hailing from outside Valencia is a track specialist and is presently at Spain's long-list for the games. If Comins does indeed go to London, he'll be the youngest member of the team.

Tour Down Under stage 4

2012-01-20T20:59:00.002+01:00

Rubén Pérez made sure Euskaltel got some exposure at the Tour Down Under by forming part of the fourth stage's four-man break earlier today. The ever-aggressive 30-year-old broke clear 25 kilometres into the stage from Norwood to Tanunda and quickly got company in the shape of Blel Kadri, Gatis Smukulis and Jay McCarthy. Despite the break's obvious strength on the flats, it wasn't to be, as the peloton kept them on a tight leash throughout and caught the escapees some 30 clicks out. On the hilly run-in to Tanunda, the pack was reduced to a mere 48 riders, of which Óscar Freire proved to be the strongest. The team's GC hopeful, Gorka Izagirre, comfortably handled the pace and crossed the line in 37th place - and thus staying in contention for the overall ahead of tomorrow's decisive stage to Willunga.

Ricardo García and Romain Sicard came home alongside previous holder of the ochre jersey, André Greipel, 7:45 in arrears, while Sáez and a naturally drained Rubén Pérez ended up 9:59 down. Urtasun and Cabedo cruised home 14:16 back.

GC:

36, Gorka Izagirre, 0:12
60, Romain Sicard, 7:57
74, Rubén Pérez, 10:08
85, Adrián Sáez, 13:52
102, Ricardo García, 20:22
126, Pablo Urtasun, 29:43
130, Victor Cabedo, 30:45

Basque races endangered

2012-01-19T18:17:00.003+01:00

An already slim-looking Basque calendar is facing the dim prospect of losing another couple of races for 2012. According to various Spanish news sources, the GP Miguel Induráin and the GP Llodio are struggling to make ends meet and may be forced to cancel this year's stagings.

According to Diario de Navarra, the organizers of the GP Induráin (local cycling club CC Estella) are finding it hard to come up with the 130 000 euros needed to stage the event. President of the club, Ismael Martínez Monreal, admits it's an unknown if the race will go forward as planned on the 31st of March. "As we haven't yet covered the budget, the race is in danger", he said. "If we can't come up with the money, there won't be a race. We can not go ahead with a 30 000 euros deficit. If we were to that, the teams in the youth category would have to take the burden, and that's not an option. We're waiting to hear what the sponsors have to say, and then we'll have act accordingly."

The Government of Navarra usually coughs up 60 000 euros in support of the race. The economic crisis in Spain hasn't escaped the Basque Country though, so it's expected they'll cut their funding somewhat this year. At present, big-name riders like defending champion Samuel Sánchez, Alejandro Valverde, Joaquím Rodríguez and, quite possibly, also Alberto Contador, have committed to line up.

The GP Llodio, pencilled in for the 21st of March, is facing similar budget shortfalls. DEIA reports the race organizers are still waiting to find out if they'll receive the necessary support from the Provincial Government of Álava. The annual cost of running the region's only professional race is estimated to be 60 000 euros. Losing one of the longest-running races on the calendar would be a hard blow to Basque cycling considering the Euskal Bizikleta, Subida a Urkiola and Bira, to name a few, all disappeared off the radar a couple of years ago.

Tour Down Under stage 3

2012-01-19T13:18:00.005+01:00

Euskaltel enjoyed mixed fortunes in today's third Tour Down Under stage from Unley to Victor Harbour. After the day's four-man break had been caught by a relentless peloton some 40 kilometres out, the seemingly in-form Romain Sicard gave it a go on the last climb with less than five clicks left. The Frenchman wasn't able to open up a threatening gap and was quickly reeled back in, but it was nonetheless a statement of intent from the 24-year-old. On the proceeding descent down to the line, main GC hope Gorka Izagirre suffered the misfortune of a double puncture and with it all ambitions of a top stage placing. Izagirre eventually came home a big 1:54 in arrears down in 128th place, but was rightly awarded the same time as the bunch once the race commissaires figured out what had happened. As a consequence he's still only 20 seconds down on overall leader Greipel, but dropped from 11th to 47th. Victor Cabedo once again struggled to keep up with the pace, ceding 1:02 by stage's end, but the rest of the riders all finished up comfortably mid-pack.

Stage results:

48, Rubén Pérez, 0:00
56, Romain Sicard, s.t.
89, Ricardo García, s.t.
98, Pablo Urtasun, s.t.
114, Adrián Sáez, s.t.
125, Victor Cabedo, 1:02
128, Gorka Izagirre, 1:54 (later corrected to 's.t.')

Overall:

31, Rubén Pérez, 0:20
36, Romain Sicard, s.t.
47, Gorka Izagirre, s.t.
85, Adrián Sáez, 4:01
103, Ricardo García, 12:45
122, Pablo Urtasun, 15:35
129, Victor Cabedo, 16:37

Tour Down Under stage 2

2012-01-18T10:26:00.002+01:00

Today's 148km trek from Lobethal to Stirling was the scene of one of the most spectacular solo breaks witnessed on the WorldTour circuit. Will Clarke decided to give it a go after a mere 1,5km of riding and extraordinarily stayed away all the way to the end. The sprinters' teams somehow totally miscalculated and were left to fight for second place. Matthews eventually brought home the peloton by a bike's length 1:02 in arrears ahead of Boasson Hagen in third and an impressive Alejandro Valverde in fourth.

Euskaltel joined in on the pace-setting at the head of the pack with some 30km left to ride, probably to set up fast-finisher Gorka Izagirre for a tilt at the win. As there was no win to sprint for, Izagirre rolled in mid-pack in 20th place. The native of Ormaiztegi was accompanied in that 65-man first group by team-mates Rubén Pérez and Romain Sicard, while the rest of the guys finished some way down the standings.

Stage results:

20, Gorka Izagirre, 1:02
47, Rubén Pérez, s.t.
57, Romain Sicard, s.t.
86, Adrián Sáez, 4:43
115, Ricardo García, 13:27
126, Pablo Urtasun, 16:17
127, Victor Cabedo, s.t.

On GC, Izagirre occupies 11th - incidentally the exact same placing he finished up in last year's edition. In the strangely-named 'Cycle Instead Young Rider Classification', the 24-year-old is third at eight seconds, closely followed by his French companion in fifth.

"The problem isn't solved yet"

2012-01-17T18:13:00.003+01:00

Despite a successful off-season and a comfortable start to the new season in the heat of Australia, Romain Sicard admits he's still troubled by the long-lasting injury that kept him off the bike for most of 2011. Speaking to Cyclingnews, the young Frenchman says it's still a work in progress.

"To be honest, my problem isn't entirely resolved yet. It takes time to heal, so I'm still rehabilitating. With my muscular imbalance, I find it difficult to push hard with my right leg, so I'm therefore on a muscle-building program off the bike. I also get a lot of massages. But it's certainly positive to to able to train and ride normally again, and to be here at the Tour Down Under. I'm fairly pleased with my preparations over the winter", Sicard said.

The 2009 winner of the Tour de l'Avenir will next go on to the Challenge Mallorca, but says his schedule beyond that is dependent on his shape.

"We'll see how it goes and how I feel. If everything goes to plan, I should participate in Paris-Nice for example. Right now, it seems things can only get better. Having been able to train well all winter and now being here i Australia indicates I'll get better day by day. It's motivating".

Tour Down Under stage 1

2012-01-17T18:03:00.003+01:00

Euskaltel escaped the havoc of the Tour Down Under's first stage earlier today to stay in contention for the remaining stages. A crash inside the last kilometre took out a fairly big group of riders, some of which were seriously hurt, but the guys in orange stayed upright and crossed the line mid-pack. Victor Cabedo found the going tough and ceded 1:40 eventually.

Greipel bested Petacchi by a centimetre or two in the soaring heat in South Australia to keep his winning run going. Top finisher in orange was Romain Sicard in 19th, closely followed by Gorka Izagirre in 20th. Tomorrow's stage will take the peloton 148km from Lobethal to Stirling.

Monday round-up

2012-01-16T19:00:00.002+01:00

Aitor Hernández got his wish fulfilled today as national coach José Luis De Santos included him in Spain's five-man team for the World Cyclo-Cross Championships in Koksijde next weekend. The Orbea rider claimed another triumph yesterday, and was rewarded for a successful and consistent season by being selected for the greatest race on the calendar. Lining up alongside Hernández, will be Egoitz Murgoitio, Isaac Suárez, Javier Ruíz de Larriñaga and José Antonio Hermida. Basques Jon and Iñigo Gómez and Jonathan Lastra, as well as Pablo Rodríguez from Galicia, will represent their country in the sub-23 race, while Jaime Campo, José Manuel Ribera and Isaac Suárez's nephew Kevin will compete for the junior crown. Rocío Gamonal will take part in the women's race.
Pierre Cazaux will build his season around the Giro d'Italia, according to Culturesport.info.
In the hoping of arriving at the Mallorca Challenge in top shape, Orbea sprint duo Illart Zuazubiskar and Jon Aberasturi have taken to the track. The two competed at the Anoeta velodrome in San Sebastián yesterday, and new DS Álex Díaz was pleased with the workout. "We're training hard, and the guys did a good job", he told BiciCiclismo. "Everything is going to plan and the riders are eager to start the season".
The season is still some way off for sub-23 outfit Naturgas Energía, but the youngsters in red are, like Orbea, keen to get off on the right foot once they start their first race. Fundación Euskadi's website reports the team got together for a workout on Saturday, mainly to enhance the team-work according to boss Iñigo Urretxua.
Euskaltel new boy Ricardo García lists Lance Armstrong as his main idol. Read a short Q&A with the climber here.

Down Under Classic

2012-01-15T12:17:00.003+01:00

Euskaltel did not succeed in putting their mark on today's prelude to the Tour Down Under, the Down Under Classic. The 51-kilometre race, run at an inexorable pace from start to finish, was bound to end in a sprint finish considering the number of speedsters present in Australia, and André Greipel duly delivered with a commanding win. The guys in orange, with no real sprinter in its ranks, failed to mix it up and had to settle for mid-pack finishes.

Results:

24, Ricardo García, 0:17
25, Adrián Sáez, s.t.
29, Gorka Izagirre, s.t.
52, Pablo Urtasun, s.t.
55, Victor Cabedo, s.t.
78, Rubén Pérez, 0:37
83, Romain Sicard, s.t.

"He's one of the best"

2012-01-15T01:17:00.005+01:00

Alejandro Valverde's imminent return to professional cycling is causing a big stir in his home land as well in the entire pro peloton. After two years out of action, his form is naturally an unknown. Rival and friend Samuel Sánchez is not concerned though: Piti's still got it.

"I was shocked when I saw him a few months ago. He was so thin! He'll win in the first race he'll take part in (the Tour Down Under). For sure he'll take out the overall or at least a stage. He's one of the best riders in the world. Alas, I'm in no doubt he'll return to winning ways", Samu told Marca.

The Euskaltel captain, who'll kick start his season on Mallorca in February, says the two get along very well - but warns an already solid-looking Movistar outfit will become even stronger with their former leader back among its ranks.

"They did very well last year without a clear, defined leader. Imagine how good they'll be this year!"

Hernández strikes back

2012-01-14T18:06:00.013+01:00

After a dismal run of it at last weekend's national champs, Aitor Hernández returned to the top step of the podium in today's race in Berriz.

The Orbea rider bested team-mate Rubén Ruzafa by a comfortable 40 seconds to claim his fifth success of the season. Last year's victor, José Antonio Díez Arriola, completed the podium. Aketza Peña, highly favoured after a strong fourth in Gandía, crashed out of the race.

Iñigo Gómez unsurprisingly took out the sub-23 classification, while Eneko Corrales once again displayed his potential by triumphing among the juniors. Naia Alzola and Eider Merino took out the women's elite and junior crowns respectively.

Also present at the race today, although not in a racing capacity, were friends and former team-mates at Euskaltel, Koldo Fernández and Beñat Intxausti. Señor Zikliamatore, mister Iñaki Azanza, sent over the

following image of the two:

Galdeano "open" to lead "different" Euskaltel

2012-01-14T16:51:00.002+01:00

It seems Igor González de Galdeano might not have left Euskaltel for good after all. The former rider left his office exactly a fortnight ago, but says in an interview with El Diario Vasco that he's not ruling out leading a "different project" in the future.

The "different project" he's alluding to is of course the 2013 edition of the team - a financially sounder team under the control of telephone company Euskaltel, perhaps even with non-Basques making up the roster.

"Euskaltel haven't called me or told me anything about this 'case'. When I left the team, it was because I wanted some time off. That's why I told them I wouldn't join any other team. I explained to them why, but I also said I would be open to lead a different project".

Despite obviously not being alien to the idea, he's still not keen to talk about an imminent return.

"To be honest, it hasn't been an option. To this day, no one has called me. That's the truth. Now I just want to relax".

Team move to quell speculation

2012-01-14T00:35:00.003+01:00

In the wake of reports on Friday morning claiming Euskaltel were contemplating opening the team up to non-Basques, the team has issued a statement on its own website aiming to play down the speculations. Like most statements of their kind though, they inexplicably fail to address the issue.

The team claim they'll "continue to work for the good of Basque cycling", and that Madariaga's talk of a "modern cycling" and "a new way" is merely a way of saying that staying in the WorldTour will be a big challenge with the sport 'going global' and all. The press release neither denies nor confirms if the team will stay true to its unique philosophy of only recruiting riders from the Basque Country. Interestingly, they don't even mention it. If that's a good or a bad thing, I'll leave to you to decide. Make no mistake though, they probably would have discarded opening the team up to foreigners if it wasn't an option.

If you want to read the statement for yourself, click here.

Report: Euskaltel secure future, leaves Basque-only philosophy

2012-01-13T09:27:00.005+01:00

Telephone company Euskaltel will secure the team's continuation for another four years beyond 2012, and will open the team up to non-Basques and foreigners. So says reliable Spanish newspaper AS.

The newspaper quotes Miguel Madariaga as saying "I trust Alberto García Erauzkin (new Euskaltel president), who's said he believes in a new project with a new captain. We're the only team in the world relying on the Fundación's support to stay alive. Modern cycling is a headed in another direction. It's the only viable option I can envisage".

AS goes on to claim the team will stay on at least 'till the end of the 2016 season, and that Euskaltel will leave it's unique Basque-only philosophy as of next year. The budget will reportedly rise to approximately nine million euro, while the team will also get a new president and manager. AS does, interestingly, not say where they've got this information from, and Madariaga is the only person quoted in the report. Stay tuned for more news on this case later today.

Hernández admits to "psychological blow"

2012-01-12T16:36:00.004+01:00

Aitor Hernández's no-show at last weekend's cyclo-cross national championships was as surprising as it was damaging, the former road racer told BiciCiclismo yesterday. After four wins and close to a dozen podium appearances so far this season, 14th in Gandía was a major let-down for the Orbea man.

"It was a psychological blow. Right from the off things started to go wrong. I punctured straight after the first lap, and what's more, I didn't notice the entry point to the first pit area. I don't know why, perhaps the area was so crowded, or perhaps I was just too nervous. Anyway, I had to keep riding with that flat for half a lap. Once I swapped my bike for a new one, I was way back. I advanced little by little, but I had to take risks. And the risks led to crashes. So I had virtually lost it all already on such a fast and dangerous course."

To put the disappointment behind him, Hernández reveals he'll be focussing on gaining selection for the Worlds.

"Now I'm only thinking about the end of the season. I'll stay here in the Comunidad Valenciana region for four more days in order to train well".

Morrás hangs up the wheels

2012-01-12T16:07:00.005+01:00

Onda-Boavista rider Miguel Morrás has decided to retire from the sport of cycling at the ripe old age of 24, BiciCiclismo.com reports. The young Basque did not succeed in finding a team for the upcoming season, and was thus forced to put an end to his 30-month long professional career.

"I've come to this decision due to the lack of opportunities to continue. It ends a stage of my life, a stage full of opportunities I did my utmost to seize through effort, sacrifice and belief. But mostly through enjoyment. To enjoy the experience was always in the back of my mind".

Though no doubt disheartened with his enforced retirement, the native of Vítoria is first and foremost grateful for the opportunity he got to ride his bike for a living.

"Although my life as a pro was shorter than I'd hoped, I feel privileged to have met the people I've done and learnt so much. It's been an enriching experience on a personal level."

The former Seguros Bilbao prodigy reserved special praise for Xabier Artetxe, his highly-taught off former DS.

"I would like to highlight Xabier Artetxe who, besides showing me that cycling can be a way of life, instilled values in me that will last a life-time. Finally, I'd like to thank everyone who's cheered for and followed me. I've always felt supported."

"Stage to Cuitu Negru the hardest"

2012-01-11T23:16:00.004+01:00

Though the Vuelta a España's 2012 course features a rather over-the-top seven summit finishes, there's one in particular that stands out to Samuel Sánchez: stage 16 to the top of the untested, but already infamous, Cuitu Negru.

The climb, which is a 2,8km extension of the Pajares ski station, includes slopes of up to a vicious 25% and hasn't even been surfaced. Yet the pro peloton will tackle it on the third of September, and the Olympic champ is perhaps glad he won't be around to ride it himself.

"It'll be a really hard stage. Even before you arrive at the base o that last climb, you'll have done the Alto de San Lorenzo and the Cobertoria. In addition, you'll already have done 16 stages. The rider who comes out of that stage with the leader's jersey on has got a great chance to keep it all the way to the end", Sánchez told the gathered media at today's route unveiling.

With half of the stages classed as 'mountainous', the winner of five stages at the race is naturally in no doubt who the race is suited to.

"It's one for the climbers", he said straight away. "The riders able to ascend at speed will have an advantage as ten of the stages end at the top of some sort of climb. And the only individual time trial is not for specialists as it's quite strenuous with a third-category climb in it. On a course like this, the race will be quite a spectacle".

Vuelta route to Antón's liking

2012-01-11T18:02:00.003+01:00

Unsurprisingly, Javier Guillén today presented a 2012 Vuelta a España course littered with mountains and short on time trialling kilometres. Featuring a pretty incredible seven summit finishes, among them beasts like Bola del Mundo, Lagos de Covadonga and Cuitu Negro, the parcours seems very much tailored to the likes of home favourites Igor Antón, Joaquim Rodríguez and, perhaps, a certain Alejandro Valverde. Antón will, like last year, target the overall win, but is foregoing the Giro in the hope of reaching the start in Pamplona in optimal shape.

The diminutive climber was present at the unveiling of the course along with Miguel Madariaga, Gorka Gerrikagoitia, Samuel Sánchez, Alán Pérez (who hails from nearby Zurucuain), Gorka Verdugo, Jorge Azanza, Egoi Martínez and Mikel Nieve, and Antón was pleased with what he saw at the presentation.

"I love this Vuelta; it's ideal for climbers", he told Spanish news agency EFE. "That being said though, I'm yet to check out the details of the course. It's perfect for mountain goats, but I would have preferred fewer kilometres against the clock. Every stage will be spectacular, with climbs at the end of them, tension will be running high... It's obvious I'll have to pay attention from the very first day (to avoid mishaps)."

"Without the Giro d'Italia on my schedule, everything should be set for a good Vuelta. I'll aim to at 100% in Pamplona. I hope and believe that this will be my Vuelta".

The native of Galdakao touched the ceiling of Basque stardom with his win in Bilbao's Gran Via last year, and is delighted the Spanish GT will once again visit his home region in this year's edition. The first four stages will run through the region, and Antón is eager to put his mark on one or more of them.

"I'm glad the Vuelta returns to the Basque Country. Last year was a success in that aspect. This year the stages will come early on; we reach Arrate on day three. I'll do my best".

While Antón is annually touted as a favourite for the overall win ahead of the race, fact is he's never even finished on the podium. The 28-year-old recognizes as much, and says a top three finish is his main goal.

"I hope I can be in the fight for the podium. I don't know about the first step - I've never achieved a top three, and I don't want to set myself too lofty aims. A place on the podium would be just fine".

"We're like puppets"

2012-01-09T15:31:00.003+01:00

This rather unusual and hard-worded claim belongs to Mikel Astarloza. The 32-year-old at times lashed out in an interview with El Diario Vasco today - but also revealed he's in good spirits ahead of the upcoming season.

"(To maintain my fitness level) I used to simulate racing in training when I was out of the sport. I did a lot of motor-pacing. I rode from Behobia to Santesteban and back aiming to sustain 60km/h all the way. When my suspension ended, I started to compete. I did the Tour of Beijing and some other races, but I would have preferred to take part in more races than I did. I finished up in Lombardia, took two weeks off the bike, and resumed training in early November. Returning to competition was much easier that I had expected. I felt a bit rusty in the Vuelta a Burgos, but still my condition was better than I had imagined it would be. That being said, obviously I reflect on what happened (when I tested positive). I lost two years of my life, from 29 to 31, allegedly the best in an athlete's career. I will never get those years back. I realized we (the riders) were just needles in a haystack, puppets at a circus. In stead of being the protagonists in all this, we're like puppets".

Judging by his performances at the tail end of 2011, Astarloza hadn't lost much physically. Psychologically though, the suspension took its toll.

"Mentally I took a hit. But I did my best to improve also in that respect day by day. I started to feel better little by little, and my motivation came back. I just couldn't understand why this was happening to me! I continued with my life though, just how I'd always done. There were no big changes in my life", he explained.

Despite retirement representing a tempting option, the former Ag2r rider kept at it. According to himself, because he just loves riding his bike.

"My desire is still there. If I was only interested in the money, I wouldn't have returned. I'm still motivated for taking by bike out for a spin. But above all, I was keen to compete again. I don't like to ride my bike, I like to race."

Being accepted back into the fold more often than not represents a tough proposition for former cheats. The peloton was kind on him though, and not only the Euskaltel riders.

"My relationship with the riders and staff is still good. Riders welcomed me back, and they were glad to see me. That also goes for the riders and directors at Ag2r. During my time out, I came to realize I had more friends than I though I did."

Big days ahead for Sáez

2012-01-08T16:16:00.003+01:00

Euskaltel newcomer Adrián Sáez has been given anything but a newcomer's schedule for his first season in the WorldTour. The 25-year-old will kick off his season Down Under, then go on to Paris-Nice, before likely closing out his first part of the year in the mighty Giro d'Italia. No wonder he's looking forward to it.

"When they told me I'd be doing Paris-Nice, I got really excited", he told El Correo. "It's a top-level race, so it'll be important to give the team some exposure. I've also been told I'm on the long-list for the Giro, but time will tell if I'll be there or not."

In between the Tour Down Under and Paris-Nice, Sáez will take part in the Spanish season opener: the Mallorca Challenge. Racing in Australia is a first though, and it's an experience he's relishing.

"We've been told what to expect, but being there in person is a completely different thing. It'll be a great experience. I feel ready and in pretty good shape as well. I'm in better shape at this time of year than I was last year - though it remains to be seen how I'll feel when we start the race."

The riders touched down in Adelaide, host town of the Tour Down Under, some ten hours ago. The six-stage race starts off with the annual Down Under Classic in a week, before the race proper gets underway two days later.

Cyclo-cross nationals round-up

2012-01-08T16:15:00.004+01:00

Elite men:

The national chamionships in Gandía was a race to forget for former Euskaltel man and one of the pre-race favourites, Aitor Hernández. The lanky Orbea rider was dislodged early on and never quite recovered, eventually finishing a disappointing 14th. Another former Euskaltel rider, Aketza Peña, was on a better day, staying with the favourites pretty much all the way en route to a fourth place. Top favourite Egoitz Murgoitio didn't find the course to his liking and had to settle for second after failing to break clear on numerous occasions. Cantabrian Isaac Suárez took a mightily impressive win, while Sergio Mantecón grabbed the last step on the podium. Orbea rider Rubén Ruzafa placed a notable seventh, triple champ Ruiz de Larriñaga eighth, while cross-country world champ Merida abandoned.

Results:

1. Isaac Suárez

2. Egoitz Murgoitio

3. Sergio Mantecón

4. Aketza Peña

5. Óscar Vázquez

6. Daniel Guerrero

7. Rubén Ruzafa

8. Javier Ruiz de Larriñaga

9. Mauro González

10. Agustín Navarro

(14. Aitor Hernández)

Under-23 results:

1. Marcos Altúr

2. Iñigo Gómez

3. Jon Gómez

4. Abel García

5. David Hidalgo

6. Pablo Rodríguez

7. Ismael Felíx Barba

8. Javíer Hernández

9. Fernández San Emeterio

10. Gonzálo De Luis

(17. Peio Goikoetxea, 27. Xabier Portillo, 36. Jonathan Lastra, 37. Alexander Bilbao)

Junior results:

1. Kevín Suárez

2. José Manuel Ribera

3. Jaime Campo

Women results:

1. Rocio Martín

2. Isabel Castro

3. Lucía González

4. Olatz Odriozola

5. Elena Lloret

(10. Eider Merino, 11. Lierni Lekuona, 12. Naia Alzola, 13. Maite Murgia, 18. Amaia Martioda)

Victory galore

2012-01-07T21:16:00.002+01:00

Missed out on a few of the team's wins last year? Don't worry. By clicking this link, you can relive all of the team's ten wins of 2011 in twelve minutes. A kind reader made me aware of his quality production a few days back, and I feel obliged to share it with you. Enjoy!

Three more years for Martínez

2012-01-06T09:21:00.003+01:00

Despite admitting he's approaching the twilight of his career, 33-year-old Egoi Martínez has no plans to retire anytime soon. If everything goes to plan, the former Discovery Channel rider envisages staying in the professional peloton 'till the end of the 2014 season.

"I know I'm approaching the end of my career", he intimated to DEIA. "But I'm still motivated to perform, so I'll do my best to keep at it for as long as possible. I'll do this season and probably two more after that."

Martínez went on to say that "training and taking care of my body" is harder now than it has been in the past. Yet what worries him the most is what he'll fill his life with after hanging up the bike.

"It'll be hard to find a job that gives me the same level of satisfaction riding my bike does. That will be tough", he said.

Unlike most of his companions and compatriots, Martínez will start off 2012 at the Vuelta a Andalucía. After Andalucía, he'll embark on a packed spring calendar: Tirreno-Adriatico, Milano-San Remo, Critérium International, GP Miguel Indurain, Vuelta al País Vasco, the three Ardennes Classics and the Tour de Romandie.

GP Indurain and País Vasco will be his main goals in the first half of the season. The second part will be exclusively centred on the Tour de France. Unlike other years though, he won't go on to the Vuelta after completing the Tour.

"As it looks, I'll only do the Tour this year, not the Vuelta. I've done both of them the last seven years, so that will be different. What my calendar will look like after the Tour depends on my state of form and the needs of the team".

Koldo snubbed WorldTour duo for Garmin

2012-01-05T09:22:00.004+01:00

Despite an injury-ravaged 2011, Koldo Fernández was a much-sought after rider this winter. The sprinter, who eventually opted for heavyweight Garmin-Cervélo, reveals he rejected overtures from at least two other WorldTour rivals before settling on the American outfit.

"The team is well structured and strong - they showed as much by winning the teams classification at last year's Tour de France. I liked Garmin right from the start, so I therefore turned down offers from Katusha and Quick Step", the 29-year-old told El Correo.

Fernández will start off 2012 at the Mallorca Challenge, before heading to Algarve, Almería, a race in France and then Paris-Nice. Later on, he's down for Catalunya, Romandie and the Dauphiné. And the Tour?

"I would love to go back to the Tour de France", he admitted. "But it depends on my state of form."

How he acquits himself as Tyler Farrar's right-hand man in the months leading up to the Grand Boucle, though, is likely to be just as important as his form. If he should miss out, he's likely to line up at the Vuelta instead.

Briefs

2012-01-04T21:11:00.002+01:00

Released Naturgas Energía rider Álex Bilbao has managed to land a spot on Cafés Baqué's team for 2012, www.biciciclismo.com reports. The 21-year-old failed to come up with the top results his talent merits during his three years at the red team, and will hope to kick on under former Euskaltel rider and DS Rubén Gorospe's tutelage.
The seven Euskaltel riders set to take part the Tour Down Under will depart for Australia tomorrow, the team's website says. It'll be a long journey though: they're set to spend nights in Paris and in Singapore before touching down in Adelaide on Saturday, eight days ahead of the annual Down Under Classic. Iñaki Isasi will get his DS bow at the event. Roster: Romain Sicard, Rubén Pérez, Victor Cabedo, Ricardo García, Pablo Urtasun, Gorka Izagirre and Adrián Sáez.
Six sub-23 riders and seven juniors have been selected by the Basque Cycling Federation to ride the cyclo-cross national championships this coming weekend, BiciCiclismo writes. Jon and Iñigo Gómez, David Hidalgo, Jon Ander Insausti, Jonathan Lastras and Peio Goikoetxea will take part in Saturday's under-23 race, while Jonathan Bilbao, Alex Aranburu, Julen Quintano, Eneko Corrales, Xabier Goikoetxea, Aritz Hernández and Josu Urretarazu will line up in the junior race on Sunday.
Click this link to see up and close photographs of the Down Under-bound riders in training.

Izagirre aiming for Down Under overall

2012-01-03T00:40:00.004+01:00

Having finished eleventh last year, Gorka Izagirre is ready to make a run for the GC at the Tour Down Under in a couple of weeks. The 24-year-old reckons he's well prepared for the opening WorldTour event of 2012, and aims to take advantage of this edition's comparatively difficult parcours.

"I feel great. I've done close to 5000 km in training, and as per usual they're more often than not intensive kilometres. We'll get there pretty early to get in some training as well. I'm aiming to finish as high up as possible on the general classification. Last year I finished up 11th, but the course is harder this time around", he told El Diario Vasco yesterday.

The punchy speedster will hope to leave his mark on the race on the revised stage to the top of the Willunga Hill - normally the stage where the GC gets sorted out. After doing Down Under, he'll aim for two of the biggest races on the calendar: País Vasco and the Tour de France.

"I'll go to Mallorca after Australia, before I'll head on to Haut-Var, Paris-Nice, Critérium International and the Vuelta al País Vasco. Then I'll enjoy some down-time and, seeing as I'm in the frame for the Tour in July, see what the sports directors have got planned for me."

While Igor González de Galdeano's resignation is by many seen as a big loss to the team as a whole, the elder Izagirre is keen to accentuate the positives, claiming the heir to the crown, Gorka Gerrikagoitia, has got what it takes to take on the mantle.

"I was pleased with Igor, and I get along very well with Gorka at the races. I like the way this team is developing. Now all that's left to is to perform on our bikes. I firmly believe the team has got several riders able to make a leap in quality (next year)."

Family guy

2012-01-03T00:01:00.003+01:00

Igor Antón, only yesterday voted "Vizcaya's top athlete 2012" by Bilbao-based newspaper El Correo, is no party animal. The diminutive climber prefers spending New Year's Eve at home with his family rather than paying the night clubs a visit - but admits not being too strict with his diet over the holidays.

"I like to enjoy dinner with my family, and I especially enjoy the dessert. How can I not look forward to the dessert when cheesecake is being served! Normally I'd be careful with that kind of food, but I'm not as strict with it over Christmas and New Year's", he told El Correo.

As expected, Antón reveals the fireworks in Bilbao is a sight to behold when 2011 turns into 2012. Looking towards the new year the fireworks are supposed to signal, the ever-modest Euskaltel man says he wants more of the same from the year that just ended.

"I hope things remain the way they are: my family, my health, my job. I'm privileged to be doing what I do for a living. If I can take a small step forward that's fine, but it's more important not to take a step back".

"It was a hard year"

2012-01-02T23:58:00.001+01:00

Despite having come through 2011, his first year in the pro ranks, with flying colours, Jon Izagirre reveals it's been a taxing year. The 22-year-old teamed up with Euskaltel prior to last season and made a name for himself with some impressive performances throughout the year. In the end though, all the racing caught up with him.

"It was a hard year for me. I did 65 days of racing. I competed a lot right at the start of the season, as injuries in the team forced me to alter my schedule. I wasn't able to take a break before after the Vuelta a Madrid", Gorka's younger brother told el Diario Vasco.

"But from another perspective, it was a good way to see what the WorldTour is like. I didn't aim to peak for any specific races, so it was all about taking it all in and absorbing every experience. After Madrid I got some time off, so then I could rest up and prepare well for Circuito de Getxo and the Tour de Pologne. At those races I felt pretty good. I ended up relatively exhausted though: starting the season in January and ending it in October means you spend a lot of time away from home. The two-month break has come in handy."

Izagirre's transition from Orbea to Euskaltel seemed to be, from the outside anyway, seamless. The rider himself, though, says it was a big change.

"It's a big leap (going from Orbea to Euskaltel). When I was riding for Orbea I tried to reach peak form for the first few months of the campaign. Now, riding for a WorldTour-team, I realize everything, from meals, to rest, to your training, matters. The level is so high. You're forced to up your training and ride in a completely different way."

If 2011 was hard, 2012 is promising to be even harder. The native of Ormaiztegi is planning on making his Grand Tour bow in what's probably the most spectacular of the three-week races.

"I'm slated for the Giro d'Italia. I've enjoyed the races I've taken part in over there. I'm definitely looking forward to it, and I'll aim to take advantage of any opportunity that may present itself. I'll try to learn from the experience, including the mistakes I might make, and I'll be attentive to detail. I'll kick my season off in Spain though at the Mallorca Challenge. Afterwards I'll head for Haut-Var, Murcia, Tirreno-Adriatico and eventually the cobbled classics. Those races are beautiful, but I'm aware of the fact that they're hard."

The former Orbea rider revealed his affection for Tirreno-Adriatico, a race he says boosted his morale last year, but perhaps learned the most from his Tour Down Under experience. Izagirre recalled an interesting episode from last year's race involving Johnny Hoogerland, a rider, seemingly mistakingly, often referred to as one of cycling's 'good guys'.

"In Australia, I was up ahead along with Hoogerland. I took pull after pull, and when I asked him to chip in, he said he was too tired. A group of 20 riders was fast approaching from behind (so I pulled even harder), and when I was done, Hoogerland attacked me and left me for dead. It seems you have to be on the receiving end of dirty tricks like that to learn."

Ormaiztegi reactions

2012-01-01T21:23:00.003+01:00

Yesterday's race in Ormaiztegi was important in itself - but perhaps even more important as a final test-run ahead of next week's national championships. Aitor Hernández showed his prowess in the absence of runaway favourite Egoitz Murgoitio, but several candidates, Aketza Peña and Iñaki Lejarreta among them, displayed improving form. Here's what the main players had to say post-race:

Aitor Hernández (winner): It was a good test facing the nationals next weekend. I showed I'm in good shape and that I'm consistent. In a race featuring big-name riders like Larriñaga, Peña and Suárez, I was able to come out tops. I hope to finish on the podium next weekend in Gandía, and I also hope to continue improving ahead of the Worlds".

Aketza Peña (runner-up): It was a very tough race in which fewer and fewer riders were left in the front group. I felt very good, and I feel like I'm improving race by race on muddy courses like this. I also feel my form is improving week by week. Now I'll concentrate on the national champs. It'll be the most open champs in years, as the fast course will present a big number of riders with options. Murgoitio is the favourite, but a lot of other riders can compete on a course like that as well. I hope to do a good race and land a good result".

Javier Ruiz de Larriñaga (fourth): I started out well and stayed with the favourites in the first few laps, but then Aitor (Hernández) turned the screw midway through, I ceded a few metres, and then I just sank. I don't know if it's because of Aitor and Aketza's (Peña) strong riding, or just myself, but after a few good races I'm struggling to figure out where I'm at form-wise. It's not optimal facing the defence of my title next week, but I'm hoping to turn it around and focus solely on that race next week. Obviously it hasn't been a great year. I haven't been able to reproduce the kind of form I've enjoyed the last three years, when everything worked out well, but in the difficult moments it's important to keep on going and don't give up. It's in times like these you remember what it took to reach the top. The champs will be unpredictable, anything can happen, and the result will depend on a lot of circumstances, not just my own riding. Whatever happens though, it won't change my situation that much".

Kevin Suárez (winner, junior): "I'm one of the favourites for gold in Gandía, and I won't hide that I'm aiming for the max, but in one-day races like this everything can happen. I'll have to be attentive to everything".

Hernández ends year on top step

2012-01-01T02:08:00.005+01:00

Aitor Hernández put the seal on a breakout year on the cyclo-cross scene with victory in today's race in Ormaiztegi. The Orbea rider prevailed in a duel with former Euskaltel team-mate Aketza Peña on the muddy course in the Gipuzkoan town, while Orbea companion Iñaki Lejarreta closed out the podium half a minute in arrears. Javier Ruiz de Larriñaga, who'll not be sad to see the back of 2011 after an off-colour campaign thus far, came in fourth a big 2:12 down, with former great Isaac Suarez snatching fifth. Movistar's Fran Ventoso came in eighth, while Basque Caja Rural duo Aitor Galdós and Garikoitz Bravo grabbed 11th and 12th respectively.

The Gómez brothers, Iñigo and Jon, once again dominated the sub-23 category. The former bested the latter with close to a minute. Ismael Barba of Enbici-Stevens-Mecha came home in third place. Kevin Suarez beat Pablo Fernández and Jonathan Bilbao to the junior crown. Mercé Pacios took out the women's elite race in crushing fashion, coming in 2:28 ahead of her nearest competitor.

Elsewhere, Spain's undisputed number one, Egoitz Murgoitio, put his mark on the last race in the Fidea Classics-series yesterday in Leuven, Belgium. The 28-year-old finished up a noteworthy ninth in the race won by Sven Nys.

Zubeldia reflects on Euskaltel years

2011-12-31T01:10:00.003+01:00

Haimar Zubeldia is likely to spend 2012 doing exactly what he's been doing for the last few years: riding his heart out for the biggest riders in the peloton. Though he's come to be known as one of the most dependable and valuable domestiques deluxe in the business, there was a time when the native of Usurbil, once likened to Basque cycling's biggest son Miguel Indurain, was the captain for his team at the most prestigious races on the calendar. Sitting down with El Pedal de Frodo, the legendary rider reflected on those years when Euskaltel were at the top of their powers.

"Those 11 years with Euskaltel were very good, and I'll always be grateful for the chance they gave me to turn professional", he said. "I achieved my best results there, and I made friends I still see today. The group with which I'm training these days is exclusively made up of former or current Euskaltel riders."

The team's performance at the Tour in 2003 is fondly remembered by fans and riders alike, and still ranks as the team's stand-out performance at the Grand Boucle. Yet despite the excellent results obtained that summer, Zubeldia admits they could have been even better.

"What we (Zubeldia and Mayo) achieved was quite something, and, during the Tour, the guys in charge wanted us to hold on to what we had rather than gamble in the hope of getting more. Perhaps we could have finished higher up, but we could have lost it all as well. All in all, I think we made history".

Quizzed on his first wins with the team, the softly-spoken climber admitted success at the Euskal Bizikleta in 2000 was more than he ever had dared to dream of.

"Winning the time trial was very special. I knew I was in good shape, but I didn't expect to ride that fast. In my third year with the team I grabbed my first victory, and, what's more, I did it in the Euskal Bizikleta! I'd never imagined pulling something like that off."

A maiden win usually ranks right up there with a rider's best days on a bike. For Zubeldia, though, the best day he ever had on two wheels was at that race: the 2003 Tour.

"I've never felt better than I did in 2003 on the stage to Ax-3-Domaines. It was like riding a bike without a chain".

To relive the epic stage 13 of that year's Tour, click this link.

All chopped up

2011-12-31T00:48:00.005+01:00

They say risk is part of cyclists' everyday life. Mikel Astarloza would no doubt vouch for that. Cooking earlier today at his home in San Sebastián, the former Tour de France stage-winner unintentionally cut his left thumb - and required an impressive seven stitches for it. The pic above, posted at the rider's own twitter account some hours ago, shows that eloquently. Luckily for him, the Mallorca Challenge is still some five weeks off, so it won't jeopardize his start to the season.

Transfer season verdict

2011-12-29T19:32:00.005+01:00

As 2012 is just around the corner and the new season less than a month away, it's high time to take stock of the comings and goings at Euskaltel this off-season. With the team unable to escape the tough economic climate plaguing professional cycling, the class of 2012 will have to punch well above its weight to survive at cycling's top tabel.

A reduced budget has forced Euskaltel to make do with a bare 23 riders for the entire 2012 season. That's two less than this year and the smallest number of riders since 1999. Make no mistake: these are testing times. For a team set to tackle the entire WorldTour-calendar, a sizeable amount of the Spanish one and three Grand Tours, a 23-rider roster will test the team's quality in depth to the max. In that respect, it's a shame five of the more experienced riders on the team have departed.

Koldo Fernández, Iñaki Isasi, Javier Aramendía, Jonathan Castroviejo and Daniel Sesma will all head for pastures new. Fernández leaving and Isasi retiring leave Euskaltel with a well-documented lack of an out-and-out sprinter in its ranks. Though they've both failed to come up with the goods in terms of results these last couple of years, they both represent a considerable loss to the team. Without the duo, Euskaltel will likely struggle for presence in the sprints frequently.

Castroviejo's departure no doubt represents the biggest loss though. And a worrying trend at it. Like Intxausti, he's a safe bet for future top results. And again like Intxausti, he's opted to leave his home team in search of greener pastures elsewhere. It's rumoured the loss of the Basque Country's biggest talents to rival teams prompted general manager Igor González de Galdeano to call it quits this year. If there's any truth to the rumours is unclear. But it's obviously not helping the team, and Euskaltel will miss Castroviejo's time trialing expertise and overall ability come next season.

Aramendía and Sesma leaving were not surprising given their results (or rather lack thereof) the last few years. But Aramendía's strength and speed on the flats and in the sprints should not be underestimated, while Sesma was a sure bet to offer Euskaltel exposure in every race he participated in. For a relatively young team, their experience will be missed.

In comes three youngsters from Orbea. Victor Cabedo is one of the most sought-after Spaniards in the peloton and needs no further introduction. He'll be a future great if he continues to develop at the pace he's been doing this year. Ricardo García possess climbing and time trialling ability and might, after a year or two, become a pivotal part of Euskaltel's stage-racing team. Solid rider - signing him strengthens the team. Adrián Sáez is of the Sesma-mould, aggressive and strong on the flats, but importantly also possesses the skill to acquire results on his own. At 25, he's no young, raw talent. On the plus side, with age comes maturity and experience.

To sum it up: while the Orbea trio represent decent, perhaps even good, signings, the loss of proven winners Castroviejo and Fernández leave Euskaltel even more dependent on their captains. Antón, Nieve and Sánchez will all be forced to come up with the goods if the team is to reach the high benchmark they've set themselves the last two years. In addition, stalwarts like Verdugo, Velasco, Martínez, Astarloza, Oroz and Txurruka will have to be at the top of their game to provide the team with results in stage-races where none of the 'big three' will be present.

And even more will be expected of youngsters like the Izagirre brothers, Sicard, Landa et al. While they all possess unquestioned quality, they would in an ideal world have had more top-quality, veteran riders around to guide them. Riders like Juanma Garate, David López, Imanol Erviti and the likes spring to mind, but for various reasons they've opted to pursue their careers elsewhere. In their absence, it will take a concerted team effort to guide an Euskaltel high on quality but low on quantity to reach the lofty heights of 2011.

Durán leaves pro peloton

2011-12-29T15:17:00.003+01:00

Geox-TMC rider Arkaitz Durán will spend 2012 racing on the Spanish amateur circuit, reports reliable Spanish website www.biciciclismo.com.

The 25-year-old, who's been a part of Geox-boss Joxean Fernández Matxin's outfit in its various guises since 2006, has failed to find a spot on a professional team in the wake of Geox's sudden withdrawal. As a result, he'll spend a year with Azysa-Conor - the outfit former Naturgas and Orbea rider Mikel Ilundain calls home.

The team enjoyed a dominant 2011 season and will look for similar success in 2012. It's improbable they'll be able to call on the services of Durán beyond that though: BiciCiclismo has it that the native of Vitoria is likely to return to the professional fold in 2013.

Sesma swaps bike for massage

2011-12-29T14:42:00.002+01:00

After four years as a professional, Daniel Sesma has decided to call it quits. The 27-year-old was released by Euskaltel at the end of the season and was unsuccessful in his search for a new home. He won't leave the sport altogether though.

According to el Diario de Navarra, the native of Arre will stay on with Euskaltel as a part-time masseur. The rider, arguably the team's most aggressive performer in 2011, reported back in October that he was running out of time to find a new team, and it now transpires that time has run out on his career. Prior to joining Euskaltel ahead of the 2010 season, Sesma spent two years at the outfit's feeder team, Orbea.

He leaves the sport without a single top three placing to his name, his best result being sixth overall at the Vuelta Ciclista a Navarra back in 2008. But even though he struggled to impose himself among the pros, Sesma completed this year's grueling Giro d'Italia and has been a near ever-present in breaks throughout his stay with the team.

Another rider without contract hailing from Navarra, Patxi Vila, has been more successful on the job market. The former Lampre rider, positive for testosterone three year ago, has landed a contract with the Irish-registred Continental team Utensilnord-Named. Guillermo Lana, of Estella in Navarra, will swap Spain and Caja Rural for France and amateur-team U.C. Avignon.

Sáez "fearless" ahead of debut

2011-12-28T19:47:00.004+01:00

Euskaltel's signing of Adrián Sáez de Arregui Egurrola was anything but ordinary. The 25-year-old was facing an uncertain future just a few months ago, having been released by Orbea at the end of the 2011 season. Then Igor González de Galdeano's retirement prompted veteran Iñaki Isasi's retirement, freeing up a spot on the team. Possessing experience, age and much-needed all-round skills, the native of Araia was a natural fit. Having made the step up into the big league virtually through the backdoor, you'd excuse Sáez for being a little intimidated ahead of his Euskaltel bow at a race as big as the Tour Down Under in less than a month. Speaking to Spanish news agency EFE, he revealed he's not.

"I'm facing the Tour Down Under with respect. But not with fear", was the clear message.

Sáez will line-up at the WorldTour stage-race alongside fellow new-boys Ricardo García and Victor Cabedo, as well as Gorka Izagirre, Pablo Urtasun, Romain Sicard and Rubén Pérez. Getting the season underway in warm and cycling-friendly Australia is widely regarded as the optimal start to a new year - something he's hoping to take advantage of by being in decent shape already in January.

"This year's off-season has been pretty much the same as every off-season. That being said, I'm aiming to be in a good state of form earlier than usual. I've also spoken to my team-mates about this race, and they say racing in the Australian summer is the best way to get prepared for the remainder of the year".

Upon completing the Tour Down Under, Sáez is hoping to be selected for the Mallorca Challenge in February. His schedule for the rest of the year has of yet not been announced.

Zabalo eyeing recovery

2011-12-27T23:33:00.003+01:00

Having dramatically escaped death only four months ago, Xabier Zabalo has revealed he's likely to make a full recovery. The Orbea youngster crashed badly at the Giro Valle d'Aosta in Italy in August, fracturing his jaw, a temporal bone and being diagnosed with a hematoma. His injuries left his budding career in jeopardy, but now, less than two months before the 2012 season gets underway on Mallorca, the 24-year-old says he's likely to once again don the iconic blue jersey of Orbea next year.

"The doctors tell me my injuries are healing well and that I'll return to full health", the rider told el Diario de Navarra. "My life is returning to normal, but I still have to visit the neurologist for another check-up before being discharged. Let's wait to hear what they've got to say, but I'm looking forward to making my comeback".

Having spent considerable time off the bike in recent months, the native of Olatzagutia has naturally put on weight and is some way off top form at the time of writing. In a bid to get back into shape for the upcoming season, Zabalo has therefore spent time in the gym trying to regain lost muscle mass.

"In the gym, my body wants more. I need to up the hours. I've regained some of what I've lost, but I've still got room for improvement. When I'm on the bike, I'm cautious. I'm not afraid, but I'm being cautious. I have no problem staying upright though. I feel safe on my bike".

According to the newspaper, he's now doing regular two-hour rides on the road. Zabalo has clearly got his sights set on continuing as a professional, but he's also been offered a job as a trainer on the team in the case he opts for a career off the bike.

"They've reserved a spot for me on the team. They've told me not to hurry, but I really want to rejoin the team. We'll see how it goes".

Orbea roster 2012: Jon Aberasturi, Aritz Bagües, Carlos Barbero, Mikel Bizkarra, Andoni Blazquez, Aritz Etxebarria, Omar Fraile, Igor Merino, Haritz Orbe, Xabier Zabalo and Illart Zuazubiskar.

Duo goes aero

2011-12-27T01:00:00.002+01:00

Young Euskaltel pair Peio Bilbao and Adrián Sáez fine-tuned their time trial positions at the team's biomechanics lab earlier this week, writes www.fundacioneuskadi.com.

'The team's biomechanics lab' is actually doctor Juan García López of the University in León's lab, but it's where the riders usually head for when trying to optimize their aero tuck in the close-season. The team has been sending a selection of riders to the lab since Igor González de Galdeano's tenure started back in 2005 in the hope of improving the team's performances against the clock. Wonderkid Peio Bilbao has shown glimpses of quality in the race of truth previously, while 25-year-old Sáez, who enjoyed a rich vein of form towards the end of the 2011 campaign, is more noted for his all-round skills rather than for his time trial pedigree. The two spent four hours each on the bike in search of that perfect position.

The riders' work at the lab these last few years have been largely beneficial - let's hope the same goes for the former Orbea team-mates.

Euskadi cyclo-cross champs

2011-12-25T02:13:00.003+01:00

Egoitz Murgoitio was at his dominant best in today's Basque cyclo-cross championships in Llodio, crushing the opposition to take back to back golds. 'Best of the rest' was, again, Orbea's Aitor Hernández. The former Euskaltel man trailed the Hirumet Taldea star by a huge 1:16 upon crossing the line, but still did enough to hold off former winner Javier Ruíz de Larriñaga. It was the native of Ermua's second consecutive silver, having been bested by the impressive Murgoitio last year as well. Aketza Peña grabbed a noteworthy fourth, while Hernández's team-mate and mountain bike olympics hopeful Iñaki Lejarreta captured sixth. Elite results:

1, Egoitz Murgoitio
2, Aitor Hernández, 1:16
3, Javier Ruiz de Larriñaga, 1:36
4, Aketza Peña, 2:42
5, Erlantz Uriarte, 3:49

Not surprisingly, Jonathan Lastra took out the sub-23 win, pipping Iñigo Gómez on the line. The latter's brother, Jon, closed out the podium. As Lastra is a team-mate of Murgoitio's, the victory meant Hirumet Taldea took out the two biggest races. In addition, the team took out the Galician champs courtesy of Pablo Rodríguez. Former Naturgas Energía stalwart David Hidalgo finished just off the podium in fourth, while Debabarrena's Peio Goikoetxea snatched fifth in front of Jon Ander Insausti of Seguros Bilbao. Under-23 results:

1, Jonathan Lastra
2, Iñigo Gómez, s.t.
3, Jon Gómez, 3:21
4, David Hidalgo, 5:42
5, Peio Goikoetxea, 7:23

Again entirely as expected, Jonathan Bilbao of Gastronomia Baska-Avia was crowned regional junior champ. Bilbao, who's continuously sporting Euskaltel's old-style white and orange Catlike Whisper casco, bested Álex Aranburu and Eneko Corrales. Junior results:

1, Jonathan Bilbao
2, Álex Aranburu, 0:16
3, Eneko Corrales, 0:56
4, Aritz Hernández, 1:42
5, Xavier Goikoetxea 2:33

Among the women, Olatz Ordiozola came out tops in the elite category, while Eider Merino annihilated the junior field. For full results, click here.

Briefs

2011-12-23T09:02:00.002+01:00

As expected, Spanish national coach José Luis de Santos virtually guarantees reigning champ Samuel Sánchez will be selected to represent his country at the London Olympics next summer. Speaking to BiciCiclismo, de Santos said the Euskaltel captain, Óscar Freire, Alejandro Valverde and Alberto Contador are near dead-certs to take four of the five spots on the team. "He's the reigning champ and the 'soul' of our Olympic dream, so he should be considered one of the leaders", the coach said of the Beijing 2008 victor. "And he's a smart rider who knows how to seize the opportunities presented to him. He showed as much in Beijing".
What with Cavendish deservedly taking out BBC's Sports Personality of the Year-award and Phil Gilbert racking up gongs after gongs at home as well as abroad, cyclists seem to be all the rage at the yearly awards ceremonies. Iñaki Isasi was earlier this week honoured by the sports writers of Álava, and yesterday Samuel Sánchez was voted "Best professional cyclist of 2011" in his home region of Asturias.
Esteemed Spanish cycling website El Pedal de Frodo yesterday held it's own awards gala. Hordes of cyclists and celebrities of the sport were present at the ceremony in the picturesque village of Iurreta, Vizcaya, including the likes of Roberto Laiseka, Beñat Intxausti, Juan Marí Guajardo, Javier Bodegas, Miguel Minguz, Davíd Lopez García, Pedro Horrillo, Víctor de la Parte and Koldo Fernández. Standout climber Mikel Landa was voted "Best young rider", Mikel Nieve "Beste Basque", Omar Fraile "Best sub-23 rider" and Igor Antón "'Bilbainada' of the year". Entirely as anticipated, Alberto Contador was elected "Rider of the year".

Briefs

2011-12-21T23:33:00.002+01:00

Rubén Pérez, Gorka Izagirre, Romain Sicard and Pabo Urtasun are back from their nine-day pre-season training camp at the Costa Blanca. The quartet headed for the cycling-friendly cost to fine-tune their form ahead of the rapidly-approaching season-opener in Australia next month, and DS Larrazabal, who went with them, outlined the importance of the camp upon its completion. "At this stage of the 2012 preparations, long low-intensity rides are vital. It lays the foundations for the season ahead. Especially for these guys, who'll all start off early next year, it's of utmost importance. The Costa Blanca is the only place, at this time of year, where the weather allows you to to ride outside every day, so that's why we spent all of nine days here", Larrazabal told the team's website.
Several Basque professionals are currently without a team for the upcoming season. Beñat Urain of Orbea has not been successful in finding a new home so far, while the same goes for Euskaltel's Daniel Sesma. Lampre's Aitor Pérez Arrieta is still on the look-out, while Geox's folding leaves Arkaitz Durán without a ride. In all, 40 Spanish professionals of this year is without a contract for next year.
Earlier this week, the retiring Iñaki Isasi was honoured by the sport journalists of his home region of Álava. The sprinter, who calls Respaldiza home, was awarded the Pin de Oro by the Association of Sport Journalists of Álava. To read more, click this link.

Tour over Olympics for Samu

2011-12-21T00:14:00.003+01:00

For Samuel Sánchez, deciding on whether to focus the most on the Tour de France or the Olympic Games next year was a no-brainer: it's all for the Tour. As he points out in an interview with Teledeporte, pinning everything on one day of success is foolhardy.

"The goal is the Tour. The Olympics are one day of competition: you can't channel your entire season towards one single day. If you fail, it's a disaster", the 2008 Olympic champion stated bluntly.

"I stepped onto the podium on the Champs-Elysées as the winner of the climber's jersey this season. That was quite something. For any cyclist, the Tour is everything. At the Olympics you're wearing the jersey of your country, so the two really are the best you get."

Looking forward to the big day in London this summer, Samu was mindful of the threat posed by one British cyclist in particular - and not the one you may think.

"You have to be aware of the final laps. At the pre-Olympics earlier this year, they didn't go the whole distance. If it turns out too hard, Cavendish will be out of the running. But I do expect Bradley Wiggins to be one of the main favourites", he explained.

Talking of the Tour, the Asturian says he would happily sign up for a repeat performance of 2011. But the overall win is not an option - a fellow countryman has got the GC sewn up already.

"It was a good Tour: we were on the final podium, we won a stage. I'd definitely take a repeat of 2011. I lost the possibility to finish on the podium on the Galibier this year, but hopefully next year I'll be able to avoid a jour sans. I'll fight for the top three. But the victory is already reserved for Contador, who already has some experience in that department", he said, half-jokingly.

Contrary to previous reports, it seems the Euskaltel captain will kick-start his 2012 campaign at the Vuelta a Andalucía, not the Mallorca Challenge, in late February.

"Fabulous news"

2011-12-19T21:13:00.003+01:00

Fundación Euskadi president and returning general manager at Euskaltel, Miguel Madariaga, was a relieved man upon hearing of the team's main sponsor's intent of renewing their sponsorship beyond 2012. Talking to www.biciciclismo.com, the founding father of the team expressed his delight.

"(Euskaltel president) Alberto García Erauzkin' comments are fabulous news for Basque cycling and all Basque cyclists. It was a public acknowledgement of the fact that the Fundación, which is responsible for the team and it's licence, has been important for Euskaltel. I'm obviously pleased with that".

As he's spoken of in the past though, he reiterated that the team might be wholly owned by the sponsor in the future.

"(To keep the team going) they need to invest heavily, and we (the Fundación) can't do that. The Fundación Euskadi might not be a part of the team. As Euskaltel's president said: they'll aim to adapt to the demands of the WorldTour. The foundation can't do the same. We'll continue our work at grassroots level - it's important and it's where we're headed."

Martín relishing new challenge

2011-12-18T21:52:00.002+01:00

As Iban Mayo Blog revealed back in October, released Orbea rider Noel Martín will form part of what is arguably one of Spain's top amateur teams, Supermercados-Froiz, in 2012. Yet despite taking what seems like a step back, the native of Álava is chomping at the bit to get started with his new outfit. And he admits turning down offers from outside of his home country in order to join the red and whites.

"To be honest, this (Supermercados-Froiz) was the best option I had", he writes on his own website. "I received a couple of offers from outside of Spain, but they left me with a lot of questions. They were attractive, but not convincing, so I decided to stay here and focus everything on the two wheels. Supermercados-Froiz is the best amateur team out there - they've got some great riders, and some really experienced ones too (like José Antonio de Segovia, Angel Vallejo, Moisés Dueñas...). I know most of the guys, especially the first two as they're Ávilan too, so I'm sure I'll enjoy it there and that we'll cooperate well together".

Martín will aim to perform strongly in the Spanish Cup races, but admits he'll compete in another discipline as well.

"I'm training on the track twice a week at the moment, just to ease back into it. I'll up the intensity in January with a few to the first competition later that month and in mid-February. My goal is to be selected for the national team for the Worlds or the European champs. But if I am to achieve that, I'll have to work hard. I'm not getting ahead of myself!".

Despite admitting being let go by Orbea was a tough pill to swallow, the 22-year-old is intent on earning a new chance to ride with the pros:

"I hope to rediscover the confidence I lost during my two-year spell at the professional level. I want another shot at it! It'll be difficult, but I'll do my utmost to get back there!"

Basque amateur calendar set

2011-12-18T15:16:00.008+01:00

The Basque Cycling Federation today announced the complete set of races that will make up the 2012 amateur and sub-23 season (or élite and sub 23 as it's officially called). The schedule is pretty similar to that of last year: 26 races in the Torneo Euskaldun series, 28 in the Lehendakari version, three stage-races (Bidasoa, Navarra and Álava), the usual one-day classics, and a trio of Spanish Cup-races. In all 67 races, the Basque newspapers report. The only notable change from this year is the disappearance of the Torneo Apertura. The three-race series, reserved for first - and second-year aficionados only, was won comfortably by Naturgas' Fernando Grijalba this year, but will go off the calendar after a solitary year of existence.

Despite the everlasting 'crisis' so-called experts and pundits label the current situation in Basque cycling, 2012 will again see a healthy number of teams. 14 Basque teams have secured their future for next year: four in Bizkaia, four in Giupzkoa, five in Navarra and the one (Naturgas) in Álava.

Complete calendar:

February:

25 Zumaia (Euskaldun)
26 Soraluze (Lehendakari)

March:
3 Ereño (Lehendakari)
4 Laudio (Euskaldun)
10 Lizartza (Lehendakari)
11 Aiztondo Klasika (Copa España)
11 Almandoz (Lehendakari)
17 Villatuerta (Lehendakari)
18 Estella (Euskaldun)
24 Laukiz (Lehendakari)
25 Subida a Gorla (Lehendakari)
31 Balmaseda (Elite y sub 23)

April:
1 Memorial Valenciaga (Copa España)
1 Amorebieta (Lehendakari)
7 Peralta (Euskaldun)
14 Estella (Lehendakari)
15 Durana (Euskaldun)
21 Lazkao (Euskaldun)
22 Bera (Lehendakari)
27-29 Tres Días de Alava (1.13.2)

May:
1 Legazpi (Copa España)
5 Berriatua (Euskaldun)
6 Subida Urraki (Euskaldun)
9-12 Vuelta al Bidasoa (Sub 23)
13 Natxitua (Lehendakari)
19 Estella (Euskaldun)
20 Markina (Lehendakari)
26 Beasain (Lehendakari)
29-3 junio Vuelta a Navarra (2.12.2)
27 Bergara (Lehendakari)
30 Campeonatos Gipuzkoa cri

June:
2 Campeona Euskadi línea (Urretxu)
3 Campeonato Euskadi CRI (Legutiano)
10 Ataun (Euskaldun)
16 Trucios (Lehendakari)
17 Logroño (Euskaldun)
23 Segura (Euskaldun)
24 Tolosa (Lehendakari)
29 Irún (Euskaldun)
30 Clásica Mungia (1.13.2 Sub 23)

July:
1 Salinas (Euskaldun)
7 Murgia (Euskaldun)
8 Antzuola (Lehendakari)
14 Sopelana (Lehendakari)
15 Beasain (1.12.2)
21 Pamplona-Bayona (Euskaldun)
22 Busturia (Lehendakari)
31 Altzo (Invitación)

August:
5 Oiartzun (Euskaldun)
9 Muxika (Lehendakari)
12 Amurrio (Euskaldun)
13 Lemoiz (Lehendakari)
16 Aretxabaleta (Euskaldun)
18 Mañaria (Euskaldun)
23 Elgoibar (Lehendakari)
24 Gernika (Lehendakari)
26 Zegama (Euskaldun)
29 Lakuntza (Euskaldun)
30 Larrabetzu (Lehendakari)

September:
1 Ataun (Euskaldun)
3 Lekeitio (Euskaldun)
8 Urduliz (Lehendakari)
9 Bermeo (Lehendakari)
15 Alsasua (Euskaldun)
16 Bergara (Lehendakari)
22 Oñati (Lehendakari)
23 Zaldibia (Euskaldun)

Overview courtesy of www.biciciclismo.com

Naturgas Energía roster 2012: Jon Larrinaga, Loic Chetout, Karl Baudron, Alain González, Eduardo Ardaiz, Damien García, Alain Santamaría, Imanol Estevez, Mikel Iturria, Pablo Comins, Oier Sánchez, Victor Etxebarria and Francisco Javier Martín.

Hernández triumphs

2011-12-17T13:30:00.003+01:00

In the absence of Spain's foremost cyclo-cross rider Egoitz Murgoitio, Aitor Hernández (pictured above. And, yes, that's him) took out his third win of the year in Legazpi earlier today, BiciCiclismo reports. In the industrial Gipuzkoan town, the Orbea rider bested team-mate Rubén Ruzafa, while his former Euskaltel partner Aketza Peña made a welcome return to the podium with a third place finish. The race doubled up as the Gipuzkoan champs, and the fourth-placed rider, Asier Arregi, took out that particular competition.

Xabier Goikoetxea came out tops in the juniors' race ahead of Alex Aranburu and Josu Urrestarazu.

Euskaltel president hints at new deal

2011-12-17T12:04:00.003+01:00

The new president of telephone company Euskaltel, Alberto García Erauzkin, has moved to play down fears they might end their sponsorship of their eponymous team at this time next year. Speaking to DEIA, Erauzkin says keeping the team alive is his "intention".

"Yes, that's my intention (to tie up a new two-year deal in the summer)", Erauzkin, who's likely to make a decision on the matter in six months' time, said.

Continuing, the president talked off how he wants to make the team a sustainable project for the future - a team he reckons has been worthy of their support.

"No one is more interested than us in keeping this team going. Euskaltel Euskadi have been a success for Euskaltel, for Euskadi and for the Basque fans. The team have shown that money is not everything when it comes to performing: you have to have a strong team and a quality captain. Euskaltel Euskadi have that."

The newspaper goes on to claim that Euskaltel are "more likely than not to stay on", and that Fundación Euskadi president Miguel Madariaga "doesn't doubt" the sponsorship agreement will be renewed. Right now though, Madariaga is focussed on securing the team's budget for the season ahead. In a month or so, he anticipates, everything should be in place for 2012.

Cabedo reveals Giro dream

2011-12-17T04:02:00.003+01:00

New signing Victor Cabedo had an outstanding season in the blue of Orbea last year, culminating in a win at the Vuelta a Asturias. While he's not set himself any concrete number of wins he aims to secure in 2012, he's got his eyes set on one of the biggest races out there: the Giro d'Italia.

"I'll start my season at the Mallorca Challenge in February. After that, I'll take on Andalucía, Murcia and Cataluñya. After this block of racing, I'm more than likely to be selected for my first Grand Tour: the Giro", he revealed to el Periódico Mediterráneo yesterday.

The 22-year-old even harbours hope of riding the Tour in July, but admits he's probably too young for that. Instead of focussing on achieving glory himself, he's intent on riding in the service of his more senior captains.

"I'll try to help out as much as I can and strive to adapt to the level of racing. Riding for riders like Samuel Sánchez and Igor Antón will motivate me. In addition, I'll learn a lot from them".

Though he's arguably made a name for himself on the flatter stages and in one-day classics, Cabedo is keen to make his presence felt at the GTs as well. He said as much to Iban Mayo Blog a fair few weeks back, and he considers himself a jack of all trades:

"I'm a perfectionist. I'm good against the clock and in the mountains, and I consider myself to be a solid rouleur."

If he's half as good as he says he is, we're all in for a treat next year.

"Team full of talent"

2011-12-15T20:29:00.002+01:00

Euskaltel's Continental feeder team Orbea are these days putting the finishing touches to their preparations for the new year, and the man at the head of it all, director deportivo Aritz Arberas, is quietly pleased with the crop of youngsters at his disposal. All 11 riders underwent testing at the team's HQ in Derio earlier today, while they'll conduct their first group ride on the road tomorrow.

"There's a big turnover of riders here, and inexperienced youngsters join us each season. However, there's lot of talent in these guys. Some of them have shown they're capable of winning among the pros, and we're fighting to win races on a daily basis. But as this team is more focussed on development rather than winning races, it's hard to set specific goals for 2012", Arberas told Orbea's website.

Four of the class of 2011 were rewarded with contracts at Euskaltel. The DS is hoping for similar success next year, but is now firmly focussed on getting his charges perfectly set up for the season.

"We'll meet up to set training plans, talk to the riders, see what kind of shape they're in, discuss racing schedules and, generally, plan the year ahead of us and oversee the first training sessions with a view to the first competitions in 2012", he concluded.

Roster: Jon Aberasturi, Aritz Bagües, Carlos Barbero, Mikel Bizkarra, Andoni Blázquez, Aritz Etxebarria, Omar Fraile, Igor Merino, Haritz Orbea, Xavier Zabalo and Illart Zuazubiskar.

Squad for Tour Down Under

2011-12-14T19:21:00.002+01:00

As their WorldTour-licence obliges them to, Euskaltel will get their 2012 season underway at the Tour Down Under in Australia from 15-22 of January. It's still a month to go before the grand kick-off, but the team have nonetheless decided who'll represent the team at the race: Victor Cabedo, Gorka Izagirre, Ricardo García, Rubén Pérez, Adrián Sáez, Romain Sicard and Pablo Urtasun.

For Cabedo, García and Sáez, it'll naturally be their debut race in the orange jersey. Sicard will be there with the aim of getting back into shape after an injury-ravaged year, while Pérez, Izagirre and Urtasun all possess the kind of end-speed needed to land them a result at the mainly flat course. Izagirre had a strong showing there last year and went agonizingly close to snatching a win - he'll be keen to make it right this time around.

To hone their form for the season-opener, the four senior riders (that'll be Izagirre, Sicard, Urtasun and Pérez) are currently getting in the kilometres at the east cost, on the Costa Blanca, the team's website reports. As per tradition at this time of year, the Basque Country is pretty wet and cold and not favourable to outdoor riding. The milder climes on the Costa Blanca are likely to suit them more, and Josu Larrazabal has gone with them to supervise their training. The quintet will stay 'till the 21st of December.

Intxausti "out to win País Vasco"

2011-12-14T10:54:00.004+01:00

In many respects, 2011 was a year to forget for Movistar prodigy Beñat Intxausti. Off the road, witnessing the death of friend and team-mate Xavier Tondo up close left him with indelible scars. On it, an injury-enforced DNF in his maiden Tour de France wrecked his season. The former Euskaltel rider claims he's a changed man after the tragic incident - and says he's now more focussed on enjoying both his bike and his life. On the bike, the 25-year-old is aiming to claim the biggest scalp of his career to date: the Vuelta al País Vasco.

"No, I'm aiming to win the whole thing", he told Ciclismo a Fondo upon being questioned if he was aiming for the podium. "I want to win the race. I was fourth this year, third the year before... I want to make the step up, even if Alejandro Valverde decides to do the race. Obviously, if he'll ride it I'll have to work for him and respect the hierarchy, but still. I'll also aim for the Critérium International, Tour de Romandie and Paris-Nice. The latter has served me well in the past, and it's a race I enjoy. I'm also on the long-list for the Tour de France, and I'm likely to go back there this year, but July is far away at the time being. I prefer to concentrate on what's coming up in the near future, as opposed to what's coming up in more than six months, so I'm only planning for the first part of the season. Just like I did this year, in fact."

This year didn't turn out too well for the youngster once hailed as the saviour of Basque, and for that matter Spanish, cycling. But the native of Amorebieta refuses to be down-beat, and insists he's drawing the positives from what's been a testing year.

"It's made me tougher. I've gone through bad times, very bad times, but with the help of my team, my friends and my family I've come out the other side", the softly-spoken climber explained. "Everything that've happened to me, from the falls and injuries to Xavier's passing, have made me more mature and mentally stronger. I look at things differently now - I've come to enjoy my bike and my life more. Xavier's death has changed me."

Along with fellow Movistar rider David López García and Euskaltel duo Jonathan Castroviejo and Rubén Pérez, Intxausti took part in the Criterium Ciclista de Corralejo on the island of Fuerteventura a week ago - a ride dedicated to the fight against cancer. To read more about that experience, click this link.

He'll get his season underway in February at the Mallorca Challenge, before heading to the Ruta del Sol - Vuelta Ciclista a Andalucía.

Briefs

2011-12-13T15:55:00.002+01:00

Mikel Astarloza has opted to start his season at the Mallorca Challenge in February, not at the Tour Down Under the month before. He says as much on his own website this morning. The 32-year-old added that he's feeling "better and better in training", and that he hopes to start the season "in the best shape possible".
"The Giro d'Italia attracts me. I love racing in Italy", Samuel Sánchez reveals in an interview with Diario Siglo XXI. To find out why, read this.
A Spanish blogger got to spend a whole day with Euskaltel during this year's Tour de France. To see what that was like, watching the concluding time trial from the team car in the company of Miguel Madariaga, click this link.
Igor Antón is in the running for the 'Best Basque Athlete of 2011' handed out by Bilbao-based newspaper El Correo. As it stands now, he's actually going to win it, ahead of the likes of Iker Muñiain and Javi Martínez. To cast your vote, click here.

Hernández lands second in Spanish Cup

2011-12-12T08:49:00.003+01:00

Orbea's Aitor Hernández was again 'best of the rest' behind the invincible Egoitz Murgoitio in yesterday's fourth and final Spanish Cup cyclo-cross race in Alcobendas. Hernández beat veteran Isaac Suarez into third, 1:11 back on Murgoitio, and thus claimed the same place overall in the race series ahead of Suarez. There was no disputing the winner though: Murgoitio won every single race in the series to cap off a dominant season on the domestic scene so far.

Jon Gómez took out the sub-23 classification ahead of Jonathan Lastra and Pablo Rodríguez. Aketza Peña, another former Euskaltel rider, enjoyed a dismal weekend, finishing 13th yesterday and thus dropping to ninth overall.

Post-race, Peña lamented an untimely crash for his rather off-colour performance, but was nonetheless optimistic about the challenges ahead: "I was riding comfortably alongside Arriola, Suarez, Larriñaga and some under-23 riders (Gómez, Lastra etc) when I crashed. That mix-up meant I had no chance to finish inside the top ten. It was difficult to get back into a good rhythm straight away, but gradually I got up to speed again and passed quite a few riders. Next week I'll line up in Legazpi. It's been a week filled with races, so before that race in Legazpi I'll try to recover from these efforts. But I'm feeling better with each passing race, and my confidence is on the up, so I'm aiming for a strong showing in the Euskadi Championships in Llodio."

Hernández, who's been the revelation of the Spanish cyclo-cross season, was rightly pleased with his ride, and has got his eyes set on the Worlds.

"It's the first time I've competed here, so I'm pleased with the result", he told BiciCiclismo. "Now I'll keep training well to maintain this level of fitness for the national championships and hopefully get selected for the Worlds", the native of Ermua concluded.

Astarloza speaks out

2011-12-11T19:44:00.003+01:00

Mikel Astarloza granted his local newspaper, el Noticias de Gipuzkoa, a lengthy interview over the weekend - the first of its kind since returning to the Euskaltel fold in August. Here's a quick summary of what was said:

On his two-year absence:

I never stopped feeling like a professional cyclist when I was suspended. From day one it was clear my career wouldn't end like that. I lived as a pro does to the best of my ability. They were two long and hard years, but every day that passed made me happy as it meant I got closer and closer to returning.

On his sanction:

I appealed the verdict, but the case is still with the judges in Madrid. There's no news on that front. They told me cases like these usually take a while though, so I just have to stay patient. It's funny how I've already completed the suspension, and still there's no verdict.

On his stance:

Yes (I still proclaim my innocence). Of course.

On Euskaltel's support:

I'm pleased with their behaviour; I can't complain. In a situation as difficult as mine, they showed their support from the first to the last day. They opened up a spot for me, so of course I'm grateful.

On his comeback:

I returned to competition at the Vuelta a Burgos in August, so naturally my season was a tad short. I therefore tried to sustain my form 'till the end of the season, and I finished up in Lombardy in October. After that race, I couldn't do anything but relax. But it's been a good pre-season, so I'm looking forward to 2012.

On not being selected for the Vuelta a España:

I have to admit it was a blow not being picked for the Vuelta. After all, I spent the whole of 2011, from January onwards, preparing for that race. After Burgos I was told I wasn't going, and that was very annoying. I think I would have been satisfying shape. To be honest, I still don't understand why I was left out. But, hey, that's in the past. I'm not dwelling on it, I'm just looking forward to the start of the season.

On the Tour of Beijing:

Right from the start it was. We suffered badly from gastroenteritis, and obviously it's hard to get back into shape after such a bad bout. Therefore, the experience of the race and the country was bad. But I hope the other riders don't feel the same way. Obviously my view is a bit obstructed as the whole team was suffering - experiences like that put a damper on the whole thing.

On his schedule:

I'll start in Mallorca and Andalucía, but the big targets of the first few months will be Paris-Nice, Critériun International and Vuelta al País Vasco. Then I'll do the Ardennes Classics, before finishing off the first part of the season at Romandia. Then I'll take a month off, before returning at the Tour de Suisse. After that it's time for the Tour.

On repeating the stage-win of 2009:

It's a dream to repeat that win. Actually, it's an obsession. I've always dreamed of crossing the line, arms aloft, at the Tour again. It's my dream and obsession.

On his future:

My contract's up at the end of 2012, but hopefully the team keeps going and I can stay on. I just turned 32, so I think, athletically speaking, I've matured. But I'm as motivated as an 18-year-old.

Need for speed

2011-12-11T11:27:00.004+01:00

With Koldo Fernández leaving the cycling-friendly Basque Country for chilly Colorado this Christmas, Euskaltel are left without a bona fide sprinter in their ranks for 2012. Granted, Euskaltel have never been a haven for the speed merchants. But it does leave the team increasingly dependent on their ace climbers to come up with the goods in the numerous multi-day races on the calendar, and may see the team returning to pre-Galdeano anonymity on stages suited to the speedsters and rouleurs.

A look back at Euskaltel's victories the last few years shows a team more built around sprint wins than popular opinion has it. Of the outfit's 48 wins the last half-decade, 14 have come from field sprints. That's approximately one third of victories obtained - 11 of which were the departing Fernández's. Though the wins have dried up for the 29-year-old of late - largely because of injuries it has to be said - it's undeniable that his leaving leaves a major hole in the team's arsenal. With the team's other recognized sprinter, Iñaki Isasi, retiring, key lead-out man (and decent finisher in his own right) Javier Aramendía heading for the exit, and Pablo Urtasun gradually evolving more into an all-round utility man, it leaves Rubén Pérez almost on his own in the speed department. And Pérez is no out-and-out sprinter - as his exploits in the high mountains of the Tour de France are testament to.

Although he only has that one win in the Bayern Rundfahrt last year to his name, Pérez possess a decent finishing kick and is set to take on a deservedly greater role in the dashes for the line in 2012. He is however arguably more consistent than spectacular, and is thus unlikely to bring in the same number of wins Fernández did in his pomp. Los hermanos Izagirre and new recruits Victor Cabedo and Peio Bilbao are all blessed with reasonably fast twitch muscle fibers, but those are more likely to come to the fore in small groups than in big ones. Meaning, again, that Rubén Pérez is the man the team will have to place their trust in more often than not.

A rider to share the burden with Pérez would do the team a world of good - but Euskaltel's recruitment policy naturally complicates the process of finding a top sprinter. One who does seem to fit the bill though, and who is Basque through and through, is Orbea's Jon Aberasturi. The 22-year-old, who joined the Continental team from the Fundación's sub-23 outfit Naturgas Energía, is gradually finding his feet at the top table, showcased by his first win among the pros last year. Contrary to some reports earlier in the winter, he was not picked up by Euskaltel, and will embark on his third season with the blue team next year. If he continues to develop at the speed (pun intended) he's done this year, he might be the answer to Madariaga and Gerrikagoitia's prayers. But until then, Rubén Pérez is left to his own devices. And even he, no matter how willing, can be there for the team in every flat race on the calendar.

Briefs

2011-12-10T00:30:00.002+01:00

Mikel Landa wasn't the only one to injure his collarbone at the team's recent training camp it transpires. El Diario Vasco reports ace climber Iván Velasco his the deck and took a hit to his right clavicle - but escaped fracture. The 31-year-old only sustained a fissure fracture, and will hope to resume normal training on Monday. According to the man himself, the crash hasn't set his preparations for the upcoming season back, a season that's set to commence at the Clásica de Almería in February. Velasco will then embark on an exclusive Spanish calendar leading up to his major goal of the year: the Giro. The native of Arrasate will take on Murcia, Catalunya, Indurain, Amorebieta, Castilla y León and La Rioja in the hope of reaching peak form in May.
Which one of the Izagirre brothers is the strongest? To find out what Jon and Gorka mean, check out el Pedal de Frodo's interview with Euskaltel's fifth pair of siblings here.
Released Naturgas Energía rider Efrén Carazo will turn professional with home team Burgos 2016 next year, www.biciciclismo.com says. El Correo de Burgos reported a few weeks back that the youngster was on the verge of signing with Andrés Izquierdo's Continental team, and, according to BiciCiclismo, that's now been done. He's thus set to become the 14th Spanish neo-pro in 2012.
Ever wondered who lined up for Euskaltel in their maiden 1994 season? Who made up the roster of that golden class of 2003? Or who'll don the orange jersey next year? Find out under the 'Euskaltel section' on your rigth - at 'Team rosters, 1994-present', I've compiled the complete list of riders ever to have represented the team, when they did so, and who they lined up alongside.

Camaño happy with Endura adventure

2011-12-08T23:06:00.002+01:00

After having spent nine years at the very top level of professional cycling, former Euskaltel utility man Iker Camaño joined Britain-based Continental team Endura Racing midway through the 2010 season. Two seasons at Phonak, three at Euskaltel and four at Saunier Duval (in it's various guises) brought him a solid reputation but not a single win. Last year alone saw the 32-year-old pull four wins out of the hat. No wonder he's enjoying riding his bike these days.

"Everything went perfectly last year", Camaño told El Correo, reflecting on a year that saw him victorious on a stage and in the overall of the Cinturón de Mallorca, a stage of the Tour of Norway, and a team time trial win in the Czech Cycling Tour. The year also brought him a strong sixth place finish at the Tour of Britain. He's hoping for more of the same in 2012:

"On a personal level, a repeat of this year would make 2012 a success. Everything went to plan this season."

"As for the team, the people here are incredible. Endura aim to take another step in the right direction next year".

Endura Racing confirmed towards the end of October that the native of Santurtzi, Bizkaia, was retained for the coming season. The length of his contract was not disclosed.

Zikliamatore 2011. Buy it. Now.

2011-12-08T21:19:00.004+01:00

I don't usually advertise for any products whatsoever on this site, but I owe this one to Iñaki Azanza. The photographer, who travels the world in search of the best pics of the sport, be it on the road, the track or in the mud, has for the last few years supplied this blog with top-end material straight from the races. For free. He's recently launched the 2011 edition of Zikliamatore; a publication featuring 250 of the best photos from the recently-concluded season. So if you're into cycling, like the look of it on film and want a review of 2011 in pictures, you could do worse than checking into either his own webpage or Urtekaria's webshop and acquire a copy for 10 euros. I have the latest edition (as well as the two previous ones), and it's phenomenal. Go check it out.

Murgoitio excels; Hernández repeats

2011-12-08T21:06:00.003+01:00

Egoitz Murgoitio once again proved to be Aitor Hernández's nemesis this afternoon at a Spanish Cup-race in Cantabria, www.biciciclismo.com reports. The Hirumet Taldea rider once again came out tops in Puente Viesgo, beating (or is that crushing?) the Orbea rider by a big 1:08. Isaac Suarez of Bio Racer closed out the top three, while Aketza Peña - still struggling to rediscover last year's form - came home 2:17 in arrears in sixth place.

A noteworthy name on the start list was road race Óscar Pujol. The former Cervélo and Omega Pharma rider is still searching for a team for 2012 (as far as I know, anyway), and finished up in 27th place.

Hernández outgunned by Murgoitio

2011-12-06T22:49:00.002+01:00

Aitor Hernández once again had to settle for second behind the untouchable Egoitz Murgoitio in today's cyclo-cross race in Asteasu. Murgoitio was in a league of his own right from the off and rode away with his ninth victory of the year, while the former Euskaltel man had little trouble is distancing 2010 cross-country world champ Hermida to finish on the second step of the podium a significant 1:55 in arrears. Former national champ and Kaiku road racer Javier Ruíz de Larriñaga finished up fourth, while Orbea stalwart Rubén Ruzafa rounded out the top five. Aketza Peña, who also spent his younger years riding on the road for Euskaltel, ended up a distant eighth.

"I was lucky"

2011-12-05T12:18:00.002+01:00

They say cycling is the toughest sport there is. That means cyclists have to be tougher than most other athletes out there. Markel Irizar is proof of that. The former Euskaltel rider sustained a broken jaw, a broken finger and various other injuries to his face (which the picture above displays so eloquently) on Saturday afternoon when out training. 24 hours later, the rouleur is in good spirits and says he feels "lucky".

"I haven't broken any teeth and, gladly, I don't have to get my jaw operated on. My hand is nothing. Therefore, all in all, I have to be happy. I was lucky", he told el Diario Vasco on Sunday.

Like cyclists who have taken a hit to the head tend to, he doesn't remember anything from the episode.

"I remember I was out training - I planned to ride from Osintxu to Bergara. The next thing I remember is waking up in the hospital. I don't remember anything from the incident itself. I crashed, obviously, but how it came about I don't know. I was on my own, going fast, that much I know. The terrain, being flat, lends itself to that kind of riding. I was supposed to meet up with Haimar (Zubeldia) and Amets (Txurruka), but at the time I was riding alone. After having spent a bit of time at the hospital, I saw Haimar had tried to call me."

If ever there is a "good" time to crash, November and December represent the ideal time to do so as the season is still some way off. Irizar acknowledges as much, saying:

"It won't hamper my preparations that much. It's still early December, so I've got time on my side to get into decent shape for the start of the season. I'll take a few days off as a precaution, and then restart training".

Zubeldia set for Tour-Vuelta double

2011-12-04T11:58:00.003+01:00

Haimar Zubeldia will once again embark on a season brimming with big races. The reliable 34-year-old will, as has become the norm, take on both the Tour de France and the Vuelta a España for his team RadioShack - Nissan Trek in 2012, and will do most of his other racing in Spain, BiciCiclismo reports.

Like pretty much every other Spaniard in the peloton, Zubeldia will kick off his season at the Challenge Mallorca in early February. He'll then head on to the Vuelta a Andalucía before testing his legs at the Volta a Catalunya, a race he placed third in three years ago. His home race, the Vuelta al País Vasco, then awaits, and in May he'll head over to the States for the Tour of California. Upon returning to Europe, he'll ramp it up for the Tour with the Dauphiné - scene of much success in his younger years at Euskaltel. He'll be one of the Schlecks' main domestiques in France in July, before likely getting the chance to step out of his helper role at the Clásica San Sebastián. He'll close out his season at the Vuelta in September.

Speaking of the merger between the 'Shack and Leopard, the former Euskaltel legend trusts team head Johan Bruyneel to make the riders click.

"It'll be vital to make these two 'groups' one. Johan is capable of doing that, and that was our aim in Spa. We were rivals last year, but this year we'll have to coexist. Normally we'd do our first training camp now, but, as this year's quite different, we spent a couple of days in Spa (before doing this camp in Calpe)", he told www.biciciclismo.com

"Euskaltel were not interested in me"

2011-12-04T10:17:00.004+01:00

After his best season yet in 2011, Caja Rural's Egoitz García was touted by some as a potential Euskaltel recruit this winter. Instead, the 25-year-old ended up at Cofidis. Allegedly Euskaltel were not even remotely interested - weird considering he's one of the few Basques out there with all-important UCI points to his name.

"My dream has always been to ride for Euskaltel, but I called them up and they said they weren't interested", the Atxondo-native told Gara. "I then called up Eric Boyer, the Cofidis manager. We didn't talk for long, as I don't really understand French, but I did understand the most important aspect: they wanted me to sign a two-year deal. I didn't have to think it over, there wasn't much to think about really, so I said yes."

The Basque newspaper then quoted former Caja Rural DS Iñaki Juanikorena saying he didn't understand why Euskaltel, with a blatant need for UCI points, didn't pick him up. García was at a loss to explain why.

"I've got 50 points, which in the WorldTour will have to be divided in three... As of yet, I haven't been given the opportunity to ride with my local team despite riding strongly in this year's Vuelta al País Vasco. I hoped Euskaltel would come calling, but they didn't, and I don't really understand why."

García somewhat came of age this year, taking second (only to André Greipel) in a stage of the Tour of Turkey, placing seventh overall in the same race, grabbing fifth in a Tour de Limousin-stage and finishing fifth and sixth at stages in País Vasco. Next year he hopes to make his Grand Tour bow. The Tour is likely to be stretching it in his first year with Cofidis, but a Vuelta appearance would do him just fine.

"Riding the Tour de France would be a dream come true, but the Vuelta is more realistic for me in 2012", he admitted. "I'll do everything in my power to be at my best, and if that takes me to France in July all the better, but I'd be more than pleased with the Vuelta. Most of all I want to get a three-week race under my belt."

Report: Irizar injured in training crash

2011-12-04T00:38:00.003+01:00

Former Euskaltel stalwart Markel Irizar crashed heavily while training today, suffering multiple injuries to his face.

BiciCiclismo reports the RadioShack - Nissan Trek rider was taken to a medical center where he was treated for a broken jaw, a broken finger and various facial injuries. He also required several stitches to a wound above his right eye. Irizar will remain under observation at the hospital tonight, and is likely to miss the start (if not the whole thing) of his team's training camp in Calpe, Alicante, starting tomorrow.

A picture of the banged-up 31-year-old can be viewed here.

Hernández crowned Bizkaia champ

2011-12-03T21:15:00.002+01:00

Aitor Hernández was crowned cyclo-cross champion of Bizkaia after storming to a commanding solo win in Lezama earlier today. The former Euskaltel climber took advantage of the all-conquering Egoitz Murgoitio's absence to take his second win of the young season. The native of Ermua beat Isaac Suárez by a whopping 38 seconds, while 24-year-old Erlantz Uriarte claimed the last spot on the podium. Top cross-country rider Iñaki Lejarreta, who told Iban Mayo Blog earlier this week that he's channeling all his powers into grabbing one of Spain's three cross-country spots in the Olympics next year, came home fourth.

Jon Gómez Elorriaga beat his brother Iñigo to the under-23 crown, while promising 18-year-old Jonathan Lastra Martínez, who placed 17th at the World Champs for juniors last season, had to settle for third. Eneko Corrales beat the favoured Jonathan Bilbao to the junior crown.

Rubén Pérez looking to emulate 2011

2011-12-02T23:52:00.003+01:00

One of Euskaltel's most trusted performers for half a decade, utility man Rubén Pérez, once again showed his worth last year with a stellar campaign. Though he failed to build on his so far only professional victory taken in 2010, the 30-year-old was active throughout the season, grabbed two third places and was at his aggressive best in the Tour de France. Looking towards next year, the native of Zaldibar is hoping for more of the same.

"I started off on the wrong foot last year as I caught a virus in the Tour Down Under. That virus, along with my allergies and the resulting weight-loss, resulted in a bad first half of the season. But I turned it around for the second half of the season and did, in my opinion, a good Tour de France. I got into six breaks, some of them dangerous ones, and of course Samu's win made me proud. Next year, if I can be of help to my team-mates and be equally aggressive, I'll be more than pleased," the likeable rider told El Pedal de Frodo.

Pérez will once again start the season Down Under, and will aim to be in strong form for the following early-season races. With number one sprinter Koldo Fernández off to Garmin-Cervélo, Pérez is likely to be given more of a chance to ride for his own chances in the sprint finishes.

"Yeah, I've worked a lot for Koldo these last few years. Perhaps this year I'll be able to go for the wins myself, and hopefully I can pull it off. I'm not completely sure yet, but I'm pretty confident I'll get my chances in some races."

His biggest hope for the year ahead though is - unexpectedly - that the team's sponsors come up with enough money to keep the outfit rolling for another few years.

"I trust the team and the sponsors, but I naturally hope for a bigger budget. It's our biggest hope that the team stays on and that in 2013 we're still a part of the WorldTour. And of course that our names are on the list of riders. I love it here, and I hope the team will be around for years to come".

Landa on the mend

2011-12-01T23:41:00.002+01:00

Euskaltel's website today reports that Mikel Landa's surgery on his broken collarbone yesterday was successful. The Vuelta a Burgos stage-winner has already headed home after being discharged from the Clínica San Sebastián in Bilbao (yeah, that name is confusing) in the early hours of this morning. The 21-year-old, who's broken the same clavícula a record (surely?) three times this year, will have to take it easy for a week or so before resuming training.

Naturgas Energía anno 2012

2011-12-01T16:58:00.003+01:00

La Fundación Euskadi's sub-23 team Naturgas Energía today revealed their roster for 2012. The red team will count on 13 riders next year; three less than was the case this season.

Interestingly, only six of this year's batch will stay on: Jon Larrinaga, Loic Chetout, Karl Baudron, Alain González, Eduardo Ardaiz and Damien García. The latter five only teamed up ahead of this year, while Larrinaga will get another year to show his worth after displaying impressive form throughout the recently-concluded season.

As Barbero and Marino have joined Orbea, that means the following eight riders will be let go: Álex Bilbao, Urtzi Legarra, Aitor Ocampos (who's retired), Rory Martínez, Efrén Carazo, Mikel Martioda, Alberto Guinea and Fernando Grijalba (who's signed for Caja Rural). Seven new riders have come on board: 18-year-old Alain Santamaría (who interestingly hails from Santa Domingo in Rioja), 19-year-old Mikel Iturria (Belca-Oriako; took out the Vuelta a Pamplona for juniors last summer), Vitoria-native Imanol Estevez (Team Alimco), 18-year-old Pablo Comins (Ibaigane Opel), Victor Etxebarria (Ibarrola-Pipaón), Francisco Javier Martín (Electro Alavesa) and 18-year-old Oier Sánchez.

It was revealed five weeks ago that DS Aritz Arberas would take on a similar role at Orbea in 2012. Iñigo Urretxua is likely to take on a bigger role in his place. On Saturday, all 13 riders will get together for a low-intensity group ride to get preparations for next season underway, reports www.fundacioneuskadi.com.

Young duo on favourite rides and riders

2011-12-01T09:36:00.004+01:00

Two of Euskaltel's most promising riders of the last 10 years sat down with BiciCiclismo at the team's recent training camp in Derio to talk favourite riders and favourite races. Here's what featherweight climbing duo Mikel Landa and Peio Bilbao had to say:

"I've always admired Samuel", Landa said. "He's always been very professional and methodical in the way he handles himself. I've gotten the chance to get to know him, and he really is like that, so I've learned a lot from him. There are also other runners I've become acquainted with and been impressed by, like Astarloza, Rubén Pérez and Koldo Fernández. Riders like that mean a lot to us young ones."

"I've never had one, big hero", Bilbao admitted. "I've always been a fan of the team and all its riders. Now that I'm here, the guys who've been most helpful and perhaps stand out as leaders the most, would have to be Iñaki Isasi and Mikel Astarloza. Simply because of the calmness they spread; it's not that they give you a lot of concrete advice, it's more that they know how to handle a rider like me, young and somewhat lost in all this."

Naturally, most riders dream of the biggest race out there at a young age: the Tour de France. For the 21 - and 22-year-old, that's not the case.

"I've always looked to the Basque Country and the Euskal Bizikleta in particular. The latter race was still on-going when I was young, and it used to have a stage finish at the Santuario de Oro every other year", Landa explained. "As I lived nearby, that's a race I always loved. And the Subida a Urkiola as well, which I was fortunate enough to race when with Orbea. I would love to fight it out for the win at the Urkiola if the race gets back on the calendar sometime. These races, along with the Vuelta al País Vasco, have been my dream since I was a kid."

Peio Bilbao's answer was perhaps more intriguing, revealing a fascination for the cobbled classics.

"I've always been a fan of the Grand Tours, but I'm especially fond of the one-day races. I would love to ride the cobbled classics sometime, even though I'm hardly cut out for it. Perhaps the Ardennes Classics are better suited to me. Anyway, the Classics are cycling at its biggest and where I'd like to excel in the future. Of the GTs, the Giro d'Italia has always been attractive to me. The Tour is of course the bigger race, but the passion of the Italian tifosi makes the Giro more enjoyable".

Landa hardly disagreed with his team-mate, saying "the Giro would be my favourite too - it's spectacular. I'd love to ride a three-week race next year, but it depends on the team. They're bringing a clear leader and a strong team of riders to back that leader up to the Giro, the Tour and the Vuelta, so I don't know if they have place for a guy like me. But it would be an important step in my progression!".

Aramendía reflects on Euskaltel years

2011-11-30T13:09:00.003+01:00

Much was expected of Francisco Javier Aramendía Llorente when he turned professional with Euskaltel back in 2008. But the soon-to-be 25-year-old (he turns 25 this coming Monday) never quite lived up to the hype surrounding him, struggling to obtain results of note after a promising start. In 2012, the strong rouleur will step down to the Professional Continental ranks and ride for the team he spent his formative years with: Caja Rural. But he's not disheartened at the thought.

"I'm enthusiastic about 'going home'", he told La Grada Navarra. "It fills me with joy and optimism. I grew up here, and now I hope we can continue to grow together. I can guarantee you that I will do my utmost, 100 percent, at this team. The road will tell me if I'm successful."

Looking back at his four years in the orange jersey, the Navarran was grateful for the experience he's obtained - from one race in particular.

"At Euskaltel, I was given the chance to ride with the elite and do a full calendar of top quality races. But perhaps the race that made me grow the most was the Giro d'Italia: first of all because it was the first Grand Tour I ever did, but also because I learned that the body has no limits. It was a fantastic experience! I fell in love with the race. I don't know what the Tour is like, but the fans in Italy were truly exceptional. Whilst in the middle of a race like that, you're so focused on day-to-day business that you don't fully grasp what you're actually doing. Then, when you get back home and take a look at the race you just completed, you wonder 'how did I do that?'. That's what I mean when I say the body has no limits. It's a spectacular race for a lot of reasons: from the stage profiles, to the tifosi, to the transfers."

The Giro will, understandably, not figure on Aramendía's calendar next year. Instead, he's got his mind set on his home Grand Tour. Hailing from Funes, toeing the line at the Vuelta-start in nearby Pamplona represents a major objective.

"It would be a dream come true for both myself and the team (to take part in the Vuelta a España). Our target for 2012 is to be at the start. The race starts off from my home, from the team's headquarters, so I think it's only natural that we'll get picked for the race. We'll fight all year long for that invitation - and I'll do my best to be among the nine selected".

Fernández reveals 2012 plans

2011-11-29T15:39:00.003+01:00

Departing sprinter Koldo Fernández has got his schedule for 2012 figured out - and the 30-year-old is likely to cross swords with his erstwhile team-mates pretty much all spring.

Spanish news-agency EFE reports the soon-to-be Garmin-Cervélo rider will start out with a separate calendar to that of star sprinter Tyler Farrar. Fernández will have the backing of his team in the early months of the year in the Challenge Mallorca, in Portugal's Volta ao Algarve and in one-day race Clásica Almería. He's shortlisted for Milano-San Remo - a race he never enjoyed much luck at whilst with Euskaltel - and he's also down for the Volta a Catalunya.

Fernández and namesake, DS and former Euskaltel rider Bingen Fernández, along with the rest of the American outfit, will step up their preparations for the new season with a multi-day training camp in Calpe, Alicante.

Orbe relishing Orbea opportunity

2011-11-28T12:48:00.002+01:00

Given his name, it is most fitting that Haritz Orbe will ride for Orbea next year. The 20-year-old makes the move from Basque sub-23 team Bidelan-Kirolgi after a stellar season at the Spanish amateur scene and, despite his youth, feels ready for the challenge ahead.

"Yeah, I feel ready to race at this level", he told El Pedal de Frodo. "This season I proved I've progressed a lot. Obviously it'll take time to adapt to the level, but, yes, I do feel ready for it. I'm really enthusiastic about this move, and from my first pedal stroke I'll strive to pay back the Fundación, Miguel Madariaga in particular, and Orbea for the trust they've shown in me. I didn't ride for Naturgas (the Fundación Euskadi's own sub-23 outfit), but pretty much every Basque cyclist aim to join this team nonetheless."

Despite securing his dream move, Orbe isn't getting carried away. So far this winter, he's been spending more time at school than on his bike.

"I haven't taken a lot of time off this winter. This year's off-season has been like the previous ones: centred around my engineering studies. Although, from December and onwards, I'll spend more and more time on the bike and give the sport a real go. Cycling deserves a chance".

Reflecting on the recently-concluded season, the youngster was particularly pleased with his performances in the year's biggest races: the nationals, the Vuelta a Madrid and the Tour de l'Avenir.

"I was consistent pretty much throughout the year, and I got good results in major races like the national champs and in Madrid (he was third in the under-23 road race and achieved the same result in the under-23 competition in the capital race). Taking part in l'Avenir was also a highlight. I have to admit though that I would have liked to have won more races, but overall I've learned a lot both this year and in 2010".

Team rosters

2011-11-28T00:43:00.005+01:00

1994 Euskadi-Petronor (16): Ibon Ajuria, Julián Barcina, Iñigo Cuesta, Thierry Elissalde, Iñigo González de Heredia, Juan Carlos González Salvador, Rubén Gorospe, Roberto Laiseka, Javier Lazpiur, Juan Tomás Martínez, Javier Murguialday, Aitor Osa, Javier Palacín, Pello Ruiz Cabestany, Agustín Sagasti, César Solaun.
1995 Euskadi (20): Ibon Ajuria, Julián Barcina, Aitor Bugallo, Iñigo Cuesta, Thierry Elissalde, Erkaitz Elkoroiribe, Bingen Fernández, Álvaro González de Galdeano, Igor González de Galdeano, Iñigo González de Heredia, Juan Carlos González Salvador, Asier Guenetxea, Roberto Laiseka, Javier Lazpiur, Roberto Lezaun, Juan Tomás Martínez, Aitor Osa, Javier Palacín, Agustín Sagasti, César Solaun.
1996 Euskadi (18): Iñaki Aiarzagüena, Ibon Ajuria, Aitor Bugallo, Erkaitz Elkoroiribe, Unai Etxebarria, Bingen Fernández, Igor Flores, David García Markina, Álvaro González de Galdeano, Igor González de Galdeano, Iñigo González de Heredia, Asier Guenetxea, Roberto Laiseka, Alberto López de Muñain, Aitor Osa, Javier Palacín, Óscar López Uriarte, César Solaun.
1997 Euskadi (16): Iñaki Aiarzagüena, Ibon Ajuria, Aitor Bugallo, Txema Del Olmo, Unai Etxebarria, Bingen Fernández, Igor Flores, David García Markina, Gorka Gerrikagoitia, Álvaro González de Galdeano, Igor González de Galdeano, Iñigo González de Heredia, Roberto Laiseka, Alberto López de Muñain, Óscar López Uriarte, César Solaun.
1998 Euskaltel-Euskadi (20): Iñaki Aiarzagüena, Ibon Ajuria, Joseba Beloki, Aitor Bugallo, Ángel Castresana, Iñigo Chaurreau, Txema Del Olmo, Unai Etxebarria, Bingen Fernández, Igor Flores, Gorka Gerrikagoitia, Ramón González Arrieta, Álvaro González de Galdeano, Igor González de Galdeano, Aitor Kintana, Roberto Laiseka, Alberto López de Muñain, Óscar López Uriarte, José Alberto Martínez, Haimar Zubeldia.
1999 Euskaltel-Euskadi (20): Ibon Ajuria, Peio Arreitunandia, Mikel Artetxe, Joseba Beloki, Ángel Castresana, Iñigo Chaurreau, Txema Del Olmo, Unai Etxebarria, Bingen Fernández, Igor Flores, Iker Flores, Gorka Gerrikagoitia, Ramón González Arrieta, Aitor Kintana, Roberto Laiseka, Alberto López de Muñain, José Alberto Martínez, Mikel Pradera, Aitor Silloniz, Haimar Zubeldia.
2000 Euskaltel-Euskadi (23): Peio Arreitunandia, Gorka Arrizabalaga, Mikel Artetxe, Ángel Castresana, Iñigo Chaurreau, Txema Del Olmo, Rubén Díaz de Cerio, Unai Etxebarria, Bingen Fernández, Igor Flores, Iker Flores, Gorka Gerrikagoitia, Ramón González Arrieta, Aitor Kintana, Roberto Laiseka, Ibán Mayo, Alberto López de Muñain, José Alberto Martínez, Mikel Pradera, Samuel Sánchez, Aitor Silloniz, Josu Silloniz, Haimar Zubeldia.
2001 Euskaltel-Euskadi (27): Gorka Arrizabalaga, Mikel Artetxe, Ángel Castresana, Iñigo Chaurreau, Txema Del Olmo, Rubén Díaz de Cerio, David Etxebarria, Unai Etxebarria, Lander Euba, Bingen Fernández, Igor Flores, Iker Flores, Gorka Gerrikagoitia, Gorka González, Ramón González Arrieta, David Herrero, Iñaki Isasi, Roberto Laiseka, Iñigo Landaluze, Ibán Mayo, Alberto López de Muñain, José Alberto Martínez, Samuel Sánchez, Aitor Silloniz, Josu Silloniz, Haimar Zubeldia, Joseba Zubeldia.
2002 Euskaltel-Euskadi (25): Gorka Arrizabalaga, Mikel Artetxe, Rubén Díaz de Cerio, David Etxebarria, Unai Etxebarria, Lander Euba, Julen Fernández, Igor Flores, Iker Flores, Gorka Gerrikagoitia, Gorka González, David Herrero, Iñaki Isasi, Roberto Laiseka, Iñigo Landaluze, Alberto López de Muñain, Egoi Martínez, José Alberto Martínez, Ibán Mayo, Samuel Sánchez, Aitor Silloniz, Josu Silloniz, César Solaun, Haimar Zubeldia, Joseba Zubeldia.
2003 Euskaltel-Euskadi (24): Gorka Arrizabalaga, Mikel Artetxe, Rubén Díaz de Cerio, David Etxebarria, Unai Etxebarria, Lander Euba, Julen Fernández, Iker Flores, Dionisio Galparsoro, Gorka Gerrikagoitia, Gorka González, David Herrero, Iñaki Isasi, Roberto Laiseka, Iñigo Landaluze, Alberto López de Muñain, Egoi Martínez, José Alberto Martínez, Ibán Mayo, Samuel Sánchez, Aitor Silloniz, Josu Silloniz, Haimar Zubeldia, Joseba Zubeldia.
2004 Euskaltel-Euskadi (25): Joseba Albizu, Gorka Arrizabalaga, Mikel Artetxe, Iker Camaño, David Etxebarria, Unai Etxebarria, Koldo Fernández de Larrea, Iker Flores, Dionisio Galparsoro, Gorka González, Markel Irizar, Iñaki Isasi, Roberto Laiseka, Iñigo Landaluze, Alberto López de Muñain, Antton Luengo, Egoi Martínez, Ibán Mayo, Aketza Peña, Samuel Sánchez, Aitor Silloniz, Josu Silloniz, Gorka Verdugo, Haimar Zubeldia, Joseba Zubeldia.
2005 Euskaltel-Euskadi (26): Joseba Albizu, Igor Antón, Mikel Artetxe, Iker Camaño, Unai Etxebarria, Koldo Fernández de Larrea, Iker Flores, Aitor González, Gorka González, David Herrero, Markel Irizar, Iñaki Isasi, Roberto Laiseka, Iñigo Landaluze, Alberto López de Muñain, Davíd López García, Antton Luengo, Egoi Martínez, Ibán Mayo, Aketza Peña, Samuel Sánchez, Aitor Silloniz, Josu Silloniz, Gorka Verdugo, Haimar Zubeldia, Joseba Zubeldia.
2006 Euskaltel-Euskadi (29): Joseba Albizu, Beñat Albizuri, Igor Antón, Andoni Aranaga, Iker Camaño, Unai Etxebarria, Koldo Fernández de Larrea, Iker Flores, Gorka González, Aitor Hernández, David Herrero, Iban Iriondo, Markel Irizar, Iñaki Isasi, Roberto Laiseka, Iñigo Landaluze, Davíd López García, Antton Luengo, Ibán Mayo, Ibán Mayoz, Aketza Peña, Álan Pérez Lezaun, Rubén Pérez Moreno, Samuel Sánchez, Josu Silloniz, Unai Uribarri, Gorka Verdugo, Haimar Zubeldia, Joseba Zubeldia.
2007 Euskaltel-Euskadi (29): Beñat Albizuri, Igor Antón, Lander Aperribay, Andoni Aranaga, Mikel Astarloza, Jorge Azanza, Jon Bru, Unai Etxebarria, Koldo Fernández de Larrea, Aitor Galdós, Dionisio Galparsoro, Aitor Hernández, Iban Iriondo, Markel Irizar, Iñaki Isasi, Andoni Lafuente, Iñigo Landaluze, Antton Luengo, Ibán Mayoz, Juan José Oroz, Álan Pérez Lezaun, Rubén Pérez Moreno, Samuel Sánchez, Amets Txurruka, Unai Uribarri, Iván Velasco, Gorka Verdugo, Haimar Zubeldia, Joseba Zubeldia.
2008 Euskaltel-Euskadi (26): Beñat Albizuri, Josu Agirre, Igor Antón, Lander Aperribay, Javier Aramendía, Mikel Astarloza, Jorge Azanza, Jon Bru, Koldo Fernández de Larrea, Aitor Galdós, Dionisio Galparsoro, Aitor Hernández, Markel Irizar, Iñaki Isasi, Andoni Lafuente, Iñigo Landaluze, Antton Luengo, Egoi Martínez, Juan José Oroz, Álan Pérez Lezaun, Rubén Pérez Moreno, Samuel Sánchez, Amets Txurruka, Iván Velasco, Gorka Verdugo, Haimar Zubeldia.
2009 Euskaltel-Euskadi (23): Josu Agirre, Igor Antón, Javier Aramendía, Mikel Astarloza, Jorge Azanza, Sergio De Lis, Koldo Fernández de Larrea, Aitor Galdós, Aitor Hernández, Markel Irizar, Iñaki Isasi, Andoni Lafuente, Iñigo Landaluze, Egoi Martínez, Mikel Nieve, Juan José Oroz, Álan Pérez Lezaun, Rubén Pérez Moreno, Samuel Sánchez, Amets Txurruka, Pablo Urtasun, Iván Velasco, Gorka Verdugo.
2010 Euskaltel Euskadi (24): Igor Antón, Javier Aramendía, Jorge Azanza, Jonathan Castroviejo, Sergio De Lis, Koldo Fernández de Larrea, Aitor Galdós, Aitor Hernández, Beñat Intxausti, Iñaki Isasi, Gorka Izagirre, Egoi Martínez, Miguel Mínguez, Mikel Nieve, Juan José Oroz, Álan Pérez Lezaun, Rubén Pérez Moreno, Samuel Sánchez, Daniel Sesma, Romain Sicard, Amets Txurruka, Pablo Urtasun, Iván Velasco, Gorka Verdugo.
2011 Euskaltel Euskadi (25): Igor Antón, Javier Aramendía, Mikel Astarloza, Jorge Azanza, Peio Bilbao, Jonathan Castroviejo, Pierre Cazaux, Koldo Fernández de Larrea, Iñaki Isasi, Gorka Izagirre, Jon Izagirre, Mikel Landa, Egoi Martínez, Miguel Mínguez, Mikel Nieve, Juan José Oroz, Álan Pérez Lezaun, Rubén Pérez Moreno, Samuel Sánchez, Daniel Sesma, Romain Sicard, Amets Txurruka, Pablo Urtasun, Iván Velasco, Gorka Verdugo.
2012 Euskaltel Euskadi (23): Igor Antón, Mikel Astarloza, Jorge Azanza, Peio Bilbao, Victor Cabedo, Pierre Cazaux, Ricardo García, Gorka Izagirre, Jon Izagirre, Mikel Landa, Egoi Martínez, Miguel Mínguez, Mikel Nieve, Juan José Oroz, Álan Pérez Lezaun, Rubén Pérez Moreno, Adrián Sáez de Arregi, Samuel Sánchez, Romain Sicard, Amets Txurruka, Pablo Urtasun, Iván Velasco, Gorka Verdugo.

Victor Cabedo

2011-11-28T00:39:00.003+01:00

Full name: Victor Cabedo Carda
Date of birth: 15.06.1989
Place of birth: Onda, Valencia
Turned professional: 2011
Joined Euskaltel: 2012
Previous teams: Orbea (2011)
Palmarès: 1st: Stage 4 Vuelta a Asturias 2011

The one team man

2011-11-27T12:14:00.004+01:00

Like team captain and friend Samuel Sánchez, Igor Antón is very much dedicated to the cause. The 28-year-old told Basque daily DEIA that he would have stayed at the team even if Euskaltel hadn't been allocated a WorldTour-licence, and he envisages staying at the team as long as it's operational.

"I signed a two-year deal in 2010, and it never crossed my mind to break that contract", he explained. "Of course, sometimes it is tempting to discover what it's like at other teams, but I've always wanted to retire here. It would make me proud if I one day am able to say that I spent my entire career here, from the first day 'till the last. I'll only leave this squad if it ceases to exist".

Due to Euskaltel's limited budget, it's no secret that Antón would have earned better money at a bigger team. The lure of higher wages have tempted many a rider to leave the their home team over the years, but for Antón it's never been about the money.

"Money is an important ingredient, but the sense of self-realization is what makes you do this for a living. Take a guy like Laiseka for example: injuries put paid to his career, but I'm sure he would have continued to ride for Euskaltel for nothing. I appreciate the money I'm earning, but I'm not wasting it. I know riders who, in their first year as professionals and with their first pay-checks, go and buy a car. I didn't buy a car until last year. It's a matter of priorities; mine was never the money".

Astarloza set for 2012 Tour

2011-11-26T12:36:00.004+01:00

Mikel Astarloza will in 2012, for the first time since that ill-fated 2009 edition, return to the Tour de France. The 32-year-old famously took a solo win on stage 16 into Bourg-Saint-Maurice in that year's race, but a subsequent EPO positive stripped the Pasajes-native of both his win and his honour. Now ready to embark on his first full season in the orange jersey, Astarloza will be one of Samu's right-hand men come July.

The rider reveals as much - as well as his race schedule leading up to the Grand Boucle - on his personal website. Astarloza is set for a year full of top-quality races, a year which may commence in Australia. At the time being it's still an unknown if he'll do the antipodean six-stage race, but, aside from that particular race, his schedule is pretty much set in stone:

(Tour Down Under, 17-24 January)
Challenge Mallorca, 5-9 February
Vuelta a Andalucía, 19-23 February
Paris-Nice, 4-11 March
Critérium International, 24-25 March
Vuelta al País Vasco, 2-7 April
Amstel Gold Race, 15 April
Fleche Wallonne, 18 April
Liège-Bastogne-Liège, 22 April
Tour de Romandi, 24-29 April
Tour de Suisse, 9-17 June
Tour de France, 30 June - 22 July

If Astarloza does go on to race in Australia (and the entire Challenge Mallorca), by my calculations he'll have done a full 50 days of racing prior to the Tour. That sounds excessive, but then again he's always been the type of rider - call it old-school if you like - doing a lot of racing versus training. Anyway, his top-level calendar proves he's once again back among the most trusted riders at Euskaltel.

Landa breaks collarbone

2011-11-25T17:10:00.003+01:00

Mikel Landa has broken his collarbone for a third time this year, BiciCiclismo reports. The soon-to-be 22-year-old, who grabbed an impressive summit-finish win at the Lagunas de Neila in the Vuelta a Burgos this summer, broke the same collarbone (his right) at the Vuelta a Murcia and the Critérium du Dauphiné earlier this season. The well-informed Spanish website has it that Landa suffered the misfortune at the team training camp on Wednesday. Allegedly he was trying to catch up with his team-mates after a puncture, but then came a cropper on the wet roads. The Murgia-native will undergo surgery in Bilbao this coming Wednesday.

Vuelta al País Vasco 2012

2011-11-25T12:27:00.005+01:00

The Vuelta al País Vasco will, as is the case every year, be the focal point of Euskaltel's 2012 season. The organizers of the team's home race yesterday revealed next year's recorrido - a route including two summit finishes.

The race - still a vital part of the UCI's WorldTour - will be held over six stages from the 2nd to the 7th of april over the following terrain:

Stage 1: Gueñes - Gueñes

Stage 2: Gueñes - Vitoria-Gasteiz

Stage 3: Vitoria-Gasteiz - Alto de Iberdin (Bera de Bidasoa)

Stage 4: Bera de Bidasoa - Santuario de Arrate

Stage 5: Eibar - Oñati

Stage 6: Oñati - Oñati (ITT)

The route is pretty similar to what's been the norm the last few years: several medium mountain days bookended with a final day time trial from and to the much-used location of Oñati, northeast of Vitoria-Gasteiz. What's new (and needed) though, is the inclusion of not one, but two mountain top finishes. We all know the Arrate, site of the finish of stage 4, but the climb of Iberdin will be knew to most of us. Once a mainstay of the race, the slopes of Iberdin hasn't featured since 1994 and is likely to tip the race more in the favour of the pure climbers (read Samu, Contador, Antón) than the puncheurs with time trial pedigree. Especially so considering the punishing Arrate is up the next day. Distinguishes riders like Gorospe, Chiapucci, Bolts and Cassani have all come out tops on the Iberdin in the past - the next one to do so might just go on to win the whole race.

Samu will lead the charge for Euskaltel and is as usual one of the pre-race favourites. Contador has stated his intention of taking part (is he's cleared of wrongdoing in the ever-lasting clenbuterol affair by the CAS that is), and the Schlecks have done the same. I assume Alejandro Valverde will also make an appearance, so the competition is likely to be fiercer than ever (but then again we say that every year). No matter the participation though, the inclusion of the Iberdin and the Arrate make the Vuelta al País Vasco stand out as one of the races to watch in 2o12.

Briefs

2011-11-24T18:05:00.002+01:00

Given that Álex Díaz will take on a bigger role with Euskaltel next year, Aritz Arberas, former Naturgas rider and DS at the red team for the last few seasons, will be the man charged with directing Euskaltel's feeder team. Speaking at the team's presentation on Monday, Arberas spoke of his delight at taking over the reins at the Continental outfit. "I'm very pleased and highly motivated for this new challenge. A lot of riders have worn the blue of Orbea before stepping up into the elite ranks, so of course it's a big responsibility to lead this team. But I'm honoured to be given the chance", he told Orbea's website.
Euskaltel are set to stage another team training camp in January, BiciCiclismo reports. The team's three-day get-together in Derio just finished, but all the riders (perhaps with the exception of the team for Down Under) will meet up again in Derio or Alicante early in 2012.
Speaking of Down Under, three of four of the final eight-man squad will have their own camp in Alicante in early January. Urtasun and Gorka Izagirre might both be present, according to the same website.
Euskaltel will be leaving no stone unturned in their quest for success at next year's three Grand Tours. The Giro-bound trio of Nieve, Velasco and Txurruka will scout out some of the stages post-Vuelta a Murcia in March, while Samu and his loyal domestiques will inspect the most important Tour stages in May. Antón will do the same with a few team-mates in June with a view to the Vuelta a España.

Factfile

2011-11-23T17:32:00.007+01:00

Name: Euskaltel Euskadi

Based: Bilbao, Vizcaya, Spain

Category: UCI ProTeam

UCI code: EUS

Founded: 1994

Budget: 6,8 mill. euro

Bicycle supplier: Orbea (esp)

Key personnel:

General manager: Miguel Madariaga
Sport directors: Gorka Gerrikagoitia, Álvaro González de Galdeano, Iñaki Isasi
Coaches and reserve sport directors: Álex Díaz, Josu Bilbao, Josu Larrazabal
Doctors: Raquel Ortolano, Sergio Quílez
Masseurs: Borja Rodríguez, Andoni Arce, Ivan Armentia, Miguel Caravaca, Xabier Carbayeda, Joseba Lekue, Rufino Murguía
Mechanics: Luís Lamas, Tomás Amezaga, Eneko Larrea, Joxe Nazabal, José Cruz Mujicay
Psychologist: Sergio Torres
Press officer: Jesus Aizkorbe

(In total, Euskaltel Euskadi's staff counts 44 people)

Fundación Euskadi structure:

President: Miguel Madariaga Barrinaga
Vice president: Iñaki Zarate Barrenetxea
Members: José María Izaguirre Urquijo, José Javier Erkoreka Zulueta, Iñigo Urretxua García de la Vega
Secretary: José Javier García Ros
Treasurer: Pablo Allende Villanueva

Briefs

2011-11-23T13:57:00.007+01:00

According to Miguel Madariaga, the team has brought telephone company Euskaltel an advertising value of approximately 120 million euro so far this year. The team has had the most exposure in Spain, France and the USA, but has also had presence in remote countries like Madagascar, Oman and Angola. The team's budget this year was 6,8 million euro - a far cry from the 27 million pesetas-budget (which corresponds to 160 000 euros) in the team's inaugural season back in 1994.
As was revealed yesterday, Euskaltel's 'big three' - Sánchez, Antón and Nieve - will all get their 2012 seasons underway at the Challenge Mallorca. Given that Cadel Evans and the Schlecks are also slated for the race, it'll be an interesting gauge of early-season form.
The disappearance of HTC and the merger of the 'Shack and Leopard have left many riders scrambling for a ride for next year. But as GARA pointed out a few days ago, Euskaltel would not have been a part of the UCI's 2012 WorldTour if it hadn't been for those developments. HTC, Leopard and the 'Shack would all have finished higher up than Euskaltel in the rankings and would have put the team outside the all-important top 20 - thus ruling Euskaltel out of contention for one of the three licences granted to teams ranked 15th to 20th.
Not sure if Euskaltel's 2011 season betters the legendary 2003? Or for that matter 2010? To put the season into perspective, I've compiled every victory obtained by the team (all 152 of them) into one document. Check out the full list of wins from 1994 to present here or access the overview in the right-hand menu under the 'Euskaltel section'.
Former Euskaltel great Haimar Zubeldia will be awarded a record-equalling fifth 'Best Basque in the Tour de France'-award this Friday by the Sociedad Urkamendi de Zirzurkil, el Diario Vasco reports. The prize is handed out annually to the highest-placed Basque rider on GC in the Tour, and the resident of Usurbil will join Indurain and Lejarreta as the only rider to have won the award five times. Euskaltel riders Nieve, Jon and Gorka Izagirre will be present at the celebration.
The mythical ramps of the Arrate will, for the first time since 1974, feature in the Vuelta a España. Click here for more info on stages in the Basque Country next year.
Euskaltel are apparently counting on support from an unusual source in 2012: the Gods. The team's website reports the team paid a visit to the Basilica of Begoña earlier today, offering the aptly-named parish priest Jesús Francisco de Garitaonandia a signed jersey and a bouquet of flowers. Chapeau!

"I want to retire here"

2011-11-23T01:13:00.002+01:00

Despite the off-road travails facing his team, Samuel Sánchez is unequivocal in his stance: he wants to stay for life. He told BiciCiclismo as much at the team's pre-season camp in Derio yesterday.

"I've always said this is where I want to end my career. As I'm turning 34 in three months time, retirement is something I'm thinking more and more about", he admitted. "I feel a deep affection for the team, for Miguel (Madariaga), for everything that makes this team what it is. That's why I hope to retire here. Euskaltel deserve that - they gave me the chance to ride my bike for a living. Ending my career here would be my tribute to the team".

Despite apparently giving retirement a lot of thought, the Olympic champ is not planning to hang up the wheels anytime soon though.

"As I've said time and time again: I'll ride my bike as long as I like doing it. The day training becomes a struggle and results elude me, it'll be time to say goodbye. As long as I'm motivated and healthy I'll keep going. The 2014 Worlds in Ponferrada would be a nice experience, but I'll only stay on if I feel fit and competitive."

Calendars revealed

2011-11-23T01:00:00.003+01:00

Gorka Gerrikagoitia has revealed the schedules of his three most prized assets: Mikel Nieve, Igor Antón and Samuel Sánchez. The former will race exclusively in Spain in the lead-up to the Giro, while Antón will take in the Ardennes Classics and, for the first time, the Tour of Poland prior to the Vuelta. Contrary to what the rider himself said yesterday, it looks likely Samu will indeed ride the hilly classics. These schedules are preliminary, mind you. Here goes:

Mikel Nieve: Challenge Mallorca, Clásica Almería, Vuelta a Murcia, Volta a Catalunya, GP Miguel Indurain, Klasika Primavera, Vuelta Castilla y León, GP Llodio, Vuelta La Rioja and Giro d'Italia.
Igor Antón: Challenge Mallorca, Vuelta a Andalucía, Paris-Nice, Volta a Catalunya, GP Miguel Indurain, Klasika Primavera, (Vuelta al País Vasco?), Vuelta a Castilla y León, Fleche Wallonne, Liège-Bastogne-Liège, Tour de Romandia, Vuelta a Madrid, Tour of Poland, Klasika Ordizia, Clásica San Sebastián, Vuelta a Burgos and Vuelta a España.
Samuel Sánchez: Challenge Mallorca, Vuelta a Andalucía, Clásica Almería, Vuelta a Murcia, Volta a Catalunya, Vuelta al País Vasco, Amstel Gold Race, Fleche Wallonne, Liège-Bastogne-Liège, Criterium du Dauphiné and Tour de France.

Source: www.biciciclismo.com

Up for the challenge

2011-11-22T16:43:00.003+01:00

Euskaltel may be heading into its final season in 2012, but Gorka Gerrikagoitia - charged with leading the team in the absence of Igor González de Galdeano - remains unfazed. Speaking to el Diario Vasco at the team's camp in Derio yesterday, the DS said improving on this year's performances is not impossible.

"It sure won't be easy, but I do believe we can equal this year or maybe go even better", the former rider said. "This year's performance in the Giro will be difficult to replicate, but, aside from that race, I'd say it's feasible to improve. Samu won a stage and the KOM jersey and placed sixth overall in the Tour this year, but he might finished higher up next summer. We were pleased with the Vuelta, but we can do better there."

"Igor González de Galdeano staked out a path while he was at the helm that I intend to follow. In addition only three riders will join, so, from a sporting point of view at least, 2012 will be pretty similar to this year. I'm not afraid of the challenges ahead of me. The youngsters on the team will be a year older and wiser, and the veterans will do their part. I'm pleased with the group of riders we have here."

Gerrikagoitia reiterated País Vasco, the Tour and the Vuelta will be the main goals, and outlined which riders are likely to make the cut for for the biggest races.

"Samuel Sánchez will lead the team in the Tour, while Igor Antón will head up affairs in the Vuelta. Mikel Nieve will, together with Amets Txurruka, focus on the Giro. And Antón will have Iván Velasco by his side in Spain. The riders in the best shape, whether young or old, will take on País Vasco. Víctor Cabedo, for example, may race if he's in shape. We'll depend on veterans though in the Tour and Vuelta, and the likes of Verdugo, Martínez, Azanza and Oroz might also do País Vasco. Mikel Astarloza, Ricardo García, Romain Sicard, Gorka Izagirre, Rubén Pérez and Pablo Urtasun are slated for Down Under, and Astarloza will go on to race a pretty stacked calendar in the first half of the season."

The experienced directeur sportif also had a word for the troubled Romain Sicard, who's been in trouble both on and off the road recently.

"We really hope Sicard will get back into shape, that's why he'll start out in Australia. We need Sicard at this team".

Just in: Euskaltel bag licence

2011-11-21T23:37:00.006+01:00

The International Cycling Union tonight announced that Euskaltel have been allocated one of the three remaining WorldTour-licences up for grabs, meaning the team will once again form part of professional cycling's elite in 2012.

Euskaltel, Francaise des Jeux and Ag2r - La Mondiale were awarded the licences, meaning Bernaudau's Europcar outfit came up short. Geox-TMC naturally retracted their application once their eponymous sponsor pulled out towards the end of October.

2012 WorldTour teams: Ag2r - La Mondiale, Astana, BMC, FDJ, Euskaltel, Garmin - Cervélo, Katusha, Lampre - ISD, Liquigas - Cannondale, Lotto - Belisol, Movistar, Omega Pharma - Quick-Step, Rabobank, Saxo Bank - Sungard, Sky, Vacansoleil - DCM. (The UCI are awaiting RadioShack and GreenEdge to send over additional documents, but their 2012 WorldTour-status is not believed to be at stake.)