Iban: "I expected this"

In a small conversation with Basque network station ETB today, Iban said that the actions taken by the UCI don't surprise him at all. "I knew they weren't going to stop; I haven't even received a notification of this new counter-analysis", Iban said. "It's quite rare to break it's own laws (the UCI). What are they going to do now? They're going to do 15 tests until they get the result they want. The UCI can't do another counter-analysis when the national federation has shelved the case. But even though the law is on my side, I'm not calm". José Rodriguez, his lawyer, once again reiterated to ETB that the testing is illegal and will be made without the permission of the rider.

Iban with the law on his side

Neither Iban not anyone on his behalf will be present when the fourth testing of his B-sample will start today in the disgraced Paris lab Chatenay-Malabry. Iban has not received any notification from the UCI that it'll be tested once again. Nor has Saunier Duval or his lawyer. That's a serious violation of UCI's own testing procedures, as a representative of the rider has to be present when the testing takes place. The UCI would loose an eventual case in court on that alone. "Of course we're not going to be present (in Paris)", Iban told DEIA, "if we did that we would agree in their way of doing things". On question of what action he would take if it were to return positive, Iban said: "We'll go to CAS. José Rodriguez (his lawyer) has told me we've got somewhere between 90 and 100 % chance of winning the case, as the UCI are breaking their own rules". The Spanish Cycling Federation decleared war on the UCI if the test were to return a positive result. Eugenio Bermúdez, secretary of the federation, told DEIA: "We've got nothing to say at this moment. But if it comes back positive, then the real legal battle would begin". Iban's lawyer further had this to say: "I hope they won't do what they say they are going to. They would break their own rules. If they did that (again, I have to add), they'll loose all credibility". 'Nuff said.

Amets gets 61 kilos of cheese

No, you didn't misread it. Amets will today, at 19:00 in Ordizia, receive his weight in cheese. The young climber, who caught everyone's attention in the Tour this year, will be awarded the cheese by bullfighting club El Albero as a recognition for his heroics on the bike this year. Amets will be accompanied by sports director Jon Odriozola. I'd love to know exactly how the handing-over of the cheese is going to happen. I'm also at a loss to figure out what he's going to do with it, something I'm sure he is too, but he'll no doubt appreciate the recognition anyway.

Testing to take 5-6 days

The result of Iban's B-sample will be known in approximately five to six days, claim Spanish newspapers today. How on earth that's possible, when it took three months the first time, I don't know, but the sooner the better. Though, as one reader pointed out earlier today; if it's negative, it'll probably take 3 months.

Iban's B-sample to be tested tomorrow

Iban's B-sample will be tested again in Paris tomorrow. Anne Gripper, the UCI's anti-doping coordinator, said nothing as to when the result will be made known, as usual, she only said another analysis was "necessary" for one reason or another. How they UCI can do this, without taking the case to CAS is beyond me, but I guess the UCI don't really care about rules. They don't tend to anyway.

Euskaltel refuse offers for Samu

Euskaltel have in the last few weeks received two offers for the services of captain Samu Sánchez, and have of course said "no thanks" to both. The offers, both in the region of 450 000 Euro, came from "two Pro Tour teams" according to Madariaga, but all he had to say to the team was "Samu is not for sale". The Asturian is contracted 'till the end of 2008, and Samu has repeatedly said that he'll fulfill his contract. Though, if he'll stay beyond that is at the moment unclear. Euskaltel are trying to keep him until 2010, but so far talks have gone nowhere. "The conversations (with Samu) have not resulted in anything yet", Madariaga commented to DEIA. "We're far from agreing on a prolongation of his contract at the moment".

No teams for former Euskaltel riders yet

Andoni Aranaga, Iban Iriondo, Unai Uribarri, Joseba Zubeldia, Iban Mayoz and Aketza Peña are still left without a team for next year after not getting their contracts extended with the team. Of course, Aketza tested positive earlier this year, so, even though his B-sample has gone missing, he's without a job for 2008 as of yet. And I'm afraid the 5 others may not find a team in an increasingly difficult job-market, with several teams folding leaving riders jobless. There are still some places left at Spanish Pro Conti and Pro teams, but aside from that I can't see many teams taking them on. Even though they're all talented riders, and some of them have impressive results on their CV, I'm afraid retirement is looming for some of them. That would be a shame, as they all deserve another chance. Perhaps heading to Portugal might be an option for some of them, as there is still place for a rider or two on their Pro teams.

A farewell to Unai Etxebarria

34-year-old Euskaltel legend Unai Etxebarria decided to put an end to his ten-year long tenure with Euskaltel this year and hang up his bike for good. Here's a tribute to the admirable Venezuelean:


Unai is a true Euskaltel legend. He's been one of the household names since he joined way back in 1997, and has given Euskaltel 9 wins along the way. Unai was always, together with the likes of Iban, Haimar, Samu, Igor, Roberto Laiseka, you name them, one you hoped would figure on the start-list for the upcoming race. Because, as with the aforementioned, Unai had that capability to win races on all terrain. The flat, long stages were suddenly not that boring for us Euskaltel fans when Unai was in the team, as he was one of the few riders who could jump clear some kilometres from the line and actually stay clear. He was also a good rider to have in a break, which his palmares shows. Many of his wins have come from breaks, something his wins in stages of the Vuelta, in the Dauphiné and in the Klasika Primavera, just to name a few, are testaments to. Though, he's also recorded remarkable results in the hilly spring Classics. A second and a fourth in Fleche Wallonne, in 2002 and 2003 respectively, showcased his abilities on the short, steep climbs in the north, making him a valuable addition every year to Euskaltel's Classics team. What really made Unai stand out from the rest though, was the fact that he was a Venezuelean. What, a Venezuelean in an all-Basque formation? It sounds odd, I know, but just from his name you can hear he's got Basque blod in his vains. We didn't get to see Unai that much in his national coulours at the Worlds, but he performed really well this year in Stuttgart. He came in with the rememnants of the peloton just half-a-minute down or so on Bettini, and became in the process the first ever Venezuelean to finish a World Road Race Championship. He seemed to be in good form all year long in the 2007 campaign, taking Euskaltel's first win of the season in the Trofeo Calvia in January, and finishing on such a strong note at the Worlds. I'm sad to see him leave. The name "Etxebarria" was always synonymous with Euskaltel, and his team-mates will surely miss both the rider and the human Unai Etxebarria. So will I.

Euskaltel set for Tour and Vuelta; Giro unsecure

According to news reports in October, Euskaltel are virtually assured of taking part in the Tour and the Vuelta next year. As the much-criticiced Pro Tour concept will be revamped for 2008, due to the Tour's, the Giro's and the Vuelta's backers refusing to abide by the UCI's rules, ASO, Unipublic and RCS, the organisers of the three Grand Tours, will have the possibility to pick any team they want, theoretically, to take part. This means that no team is assured of a starting berth next year, but Euskaltel have, according to rumours anyway, received an oral invitation to all three races. Euskaltel will no doubt ride the Tour and the Vuelta, of course, but it's not unlikely that Euskaltel will give the Giro a miss. Euskaltel have never fielded any of their big stars in Italy in hope of getting any results, most of the time just to get fit. I think that, given an invitation, they should take part. Getting through a three-week race would be invaluable experience to any rider, not least Euskaltel's young and untested riders. After having come through a three-week race you know what pro cycling at the highest level is all about.

2008 Tour route suits Iban

After the 2008 Tour de France parcours had been unveiled, one thing went through my mind; this route is one for Iban. With no prologue, no TTT and the first of two individual time trials no more than 30 kilometres in length, coupled with some heavy mountain-stages in the last week, it should suit Iban oh so well. And of course, the inclusion of the Alpe d'Huez on stage 17 bring back many good memories for us Iban fans. A repeat of that beautiful day back in 2003 would top it all, and I'm sure Iban is already looking forward to it. Though, stage 10 to Hautacam will probably also be one of Iban's best chances for glory come next July. Of course, it remains to be seen if he will even ride it, but if he do, the rest should watch out...

Haimar celebrated as best Basque Tour rider 2007

Haimar will on the 23rd of November, for the fourth time in his career, receive the prize as the best Basque Tour de France rider of 2007 from the Urka-Mendi de Zizurkil cycling society. In winning his fourth award, Haimar surpasses Basque greats Joseba Beloki and Abraham Olano who've both won it three times. Only legends Marino Lejarreta and Miguel Indurain are ahead of him on the list of winners, having won it five times each.

What's up, UCI?

The UCI obviously loves silence. Since the news that the UCI wouldn't let a negative be a negative and get on with their lives broke, we've heard nothing from the UCI as to when a decision will be taken. Anne Gripper, the persona non grata at my blog, said it would take four to six weeks, so, yeah, I guess we're in for another three months of waiting. Though, the interesting part is: What is the UCI doing right now? They're not allowed to test it, as they have to take the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport first. But is the case in CAS' hands? Doubt it, I guess we would have heard something then. CAS have to approve that the UCI can test it once again before they can take it back to Paris. If anyone has got a clue to what's going on right now, please leave a comment. I've no idea, but my best bet is that nothing, absolutely nothing, is happening. After all, the UCI know how to play the waiting-game...

Poll results: What's worst?

And the winner is.... both. Well, as I had hoped, and expected, the UCI and the Chatenay-Malabry shared this prestigious prize of who's worst in pro cycling these days. The option "Both, really" accumulated no less than 51 % of the votes this time round, while the UCI beat Chatenay-Malabry to second place by 6 %. About time to call it quits McQuaid?

Evaluation of the neo-pros

Lander Aperribay: The 25-year-old from San Sebastián got his first pro contract with Euskaltel this season. Lander did what was expected of him; riding in support of his team-leaders and sacrificing his own ambitions for the team's greater good. Though, he'll have to pick up some impressive results i 2008 if his contract is to be extended. The first year as a pro is always going to be tough, as it turned out to be for Lander. He didn't record any noteworthy results, but he's said to be a talented guy this rider, so I'm confident that'll change next year.

Andoni Lafuente: Same as with Lander really. Struggled, as nearly all neo-pros do, to adapt to the pace of the Pro Tour in his first year. Though, this one is only 22, so he's still got some time left to impress. As with Lander, he'll come to the end of his two-year contract come next year, so he'll need to impress his bosses next campaign if it's to be extended. The rider from Gernika showed that the talent is there in the youth categories prior to joining Euskaltel, so I'll look out for his results next year.