Alán 13th in Piemonte

The Giro del Piemonte eventually came down to the anticipated mass-sprint. The team didn't bring Koldo, Aitor Galdos or Iñaki, and therefore didn't have any real candidates for the top spots. Alán did well though to claim 13th. Not bad. Iñigo and Javier also did well by attacking from 20 kilometres out. None of them had luck on their side, unfortunately, as they were both reeled back in. Samu had to pull out due to annoyances in his right knee. Needn't worry though, the team's website says he's in perfectas condiciones for Sunday's big showdown. Sounds good.

Samu stays

According to the man himself, Samu will stay with the team at least until the end of 2010. Nothing has been signed as of yet, but then his signature is all that's missing he says. The guys in charge at Euskaltel were successful in bringing in additional money from the sponsors, additional money Samu was promised if he were to win the Olympics, something he of course did. Great news as Samu is vital to the team, especially so now as Haimar's left for what he thinks is the greenest grass over at Astana. Man he'll regret that decision one day... Anyway, Samu stays. That's what's important right now.

Jon's career on hold

If Jon hasn't found a new employer come the end of the month, he'll leave the bike in the garage for good. That's the fact. Jon hasn't been offered an extension to his contract, so as of now he's without a team. I'd be sad to see him retire, as he's never really been able to fulfil his undoubted potential. But considering the current climate in professional cycling, I think it'll be hard for him to get a contract with a pro team.

Javier prolongs

Javier Aramendía recently decided to extend his stay with the team. The neo-pro has signed an extension to his existing contract, meaning he'll stay with the team until at least the end of the 2010 season. Javier has, despite only being 21, showed glimpses of what he's capable of this season, most notably in the Tour Down Under. I've always rated Javier, so this is good news for all Euskaltel fans. Javier had this to say after putting pen to paper on an improved deal: "I'm very pleased with our agreement. Miguel (Madariaga) has told me he believes in me, and that support is an important incentive to keep working hard. I feel comfortable in this team, so naturally I'm very happy with the prolongation".

Poll results: Iban to race at all this year?

Well of course he isn't, and this poll has been dragging on for way too long. Thought it was high time to change question. And, by the way, 72% of you got it right. Iban didn't enter one single competition this year. And he probably never will either....

Line-ups revealed

Two races to go and a rather lacklustre 2008 season will come to a close for Euskaltel. First up is the Italian one-day semi-classic Giro del Piemonte on Thursday, followed by one of professional cycling's biggest races; the Giro di Lombardia. Euskaltel will field the same 8 riders in both races and Samu will of course lead the charge. He'll be accompanied by Iñigo, Javier, Aitor H, Markel, Iván, Josu and Alán. Would be great to end the season on a high as, except for Samu's Olympic heroics, there hasn't been too much to celebrate. Aupa!

Samu 6th in Tour?

We all know Samu finished 7th in this year's Tour. But the chances are that he'll now be elevated to 6th place due to Köhl's positive tests for CERA. Of course, it comes as no surprise that Köhl tested positive. Everyone with a bit of insight into professional cycling knew Köhl wasn't clean when he suddenly climbed with the very best of what the pro peloton had to offer in July. He is a talented climber though, make no mistake about it, but his showing was, as with many other climbers in the race, far too good be believed. Haimar experienced something similar in 2006 when he went from 9th to 8th after Landis was exposed. I don't think Samu would care all that much, but I thought it was worth writing about it. And, if the cheats continue to get caught at this rate, lord knows where Samu will eventually end up overall.

No success in Tours

Euskaltel failed to light up today's one-day classic Paris-Tours. It was predictable though, as Koldo, the team's bet for the win, had to pull out two days in advance due to tendonitis. None got into the break, and no one went on the attack. But it wasn't that bad. I was actually pleasantly surprised to see Samu covered by all his team-mates at the head of the pack for large portions of the race. The team seemed focused and determined, but the lack of climbs in the route put paid to the team's dreams. Iván impressed by staying close to Samu 'til 5 kilometres were left to race, but Samu never really got the opportunity to get away. He rolled in with the main group in 28th place, while the rest of the guys came in further back. Not a bad display, but not a very good one either. Two races to go now for the team, and both of them should suit Samu to perfection.

Koldo pulls out, Samu steps in

Koldo has been forced to pull out of tomorrow's Paris-Tours due to tendinitis in his left knee. That's a big blow to Euskaltel's hopes of getting something out of the race. Samu has been forced to step in, and will no doubt be visible on the climbs towards the end of the race. The rest of the team is made up of Iñigo, Javier, Alán, Iván, Markel, Aitor H and Josu. Samu's stated his in good shape, so I'll keep my fingers crossed for our Olympic champion. My God it feels good to say our Olympic champion...

Iñaki prolongs

Iñaki has decided to extend his stay with the team, Basque newspapers are reporting this morning. The length of his new deal wasn't mentioned, but I don't think a two-year deal is unrealistic, after all he's still just 31. Great to see him stay. He's one of the most experienced riders on the team and he's still quite fast mind you.

Urtasun signs on

Pablo Urtasun has today put pen to paper on a one-year deal with the team. The punchy rider, who's got 4 wins to his name, will ride the 2009 season in the orange colours of the team, and will act as Koldo's confidant and last lead-out man in the sprints. "This is a big step in my sporting life (joining Euskaltel)", he said moments after penning the deal. "I've been in Portugal for two years now, but now I return to ride for my local team. I talked to Madariaga and Galdeano about my position in the team and what my main objectives would be, and I'm really pleased. I'll be helping Koldo out in the sprints. I've acted as a lead-out man in other teams, and I can't wait to get going. All that remains now is for me to repay Madariaga's confidence in me". Madariaga himself had this to say: "We've signed a type of rider that will be to great help for Koldo. He's fast and he knows how and where to position himself in a sprint. Koldo is getting better and better, and the arrival of Urtasun will make him even better. Pablo has won four races as a pro, and that's really important as it means he knows how to win a race. We think that this signing will remarkably reinforce the team facing the 2009 season." I totally agree, great signing. I've been expecting him to join the team for some time now and, at 28, he's got the years on his side.

Looking for a sprinter

Igor González de Galdeano is, according to biciciclismo.com and other reliable sources, looking for a rider to act as lead-out man for Koldo. Mikel Nieve is the only new recruit to the team so far, but another one might be on his way if Galdeano finds his man. There are not many Basque sprinters around, so Mikel Gaztañaga springs to mind immediately of course. I've always thought of him as a good rider, and he would, together with Koldo and Aitor Galdos, form an enviable trio.

Retesting

As most of you know by now, the AFLD is currently retesting inconclusive tests stemming from the Tour this summer. Currently Ricco', Piepoli and Schumacher have been caught with their pants down. Prudhomme says that several tests are ongoing, and that he expects at least one or two of them to come back positive. Comments like that makes everyone wonder who those guys might be. I'm no exception. F Schleck springs to mind naturally, we all know he's been up to some dodgy things the last few years. Ah, yes, of course, I totally forgot, he paid 7000 euros for advice on his training, not doping. That's the way it is I guess, everyone pays that kind of money to just talk with a guy. Never mind he's a gyneocologist. Sorry Fränck, I'm not buying it. I'm not buying it at all... But okay, Schleck aside. Of course, I really hope they get Valverde, Evans and those guys, but I don't think they will. I don't think any Euskaltel riders will be caught either, but you never know. There's no denying that doping has been rife at Euskaltel, just like at any other team the last decade, so I can't say I'm completely relaxed. Though, there are more and more clean riders on Euskaltel these days, so at least there's a light in the end of the tunnel. I hear Valjavec of Ag2r has returned some suspicious doping tests, and these tests are allegedly being retested as I speak, but I'm not convinced. Every cycling-related webiste on the net come up with their own names, so it's hard to know who to trust. Yesterday I read that three CSC riders are having their blood tested for CERA, but, then again, they're purely rumours. I'd love to hear your views on this whole thing.

Samu wins criterium

Samu won the Criterium Internacional de Ciclismo de la Comunitat Valenciana on Sunday. 23 professional riders competed in the annual end-of-season race. Samu took the initiative early on by winning the points race and placing second in the elimination race, and eventually also landed the overall. After the race it was time for something special; Samu versus a Formula 2 car. Incredibly Samu only just lost out. It was a great spectacle though nonetheless.