Euskaltel rest day wrap-up

It`s the first rest day today, and Euskaltel can look back on a higly successful Tour de France to date. Fifth in the team rankings, a second place on a stage, 15th and 21st on GC, and with several of the riders protagonists so far it`s all been good for the team. Here`s a look at the performance of all 9 riders so far:

• Haimar Zubeldia: Great Tour so far for the captain. Looked a little out of sorts in the prologue, but has since then produced the goods. On the flat stages he wisely stayed at the front and out of trouble, and on the first two mountain stages he`s been well ahead. He looked calm and unaffected climbing the Colombière, coming home with the favourites, and finished a satisfactory 11th on yesterday`s big test to Tignes, ahead of riders like Leipheimer, Cobo, Pereiro, Garate, Kloden, Vino and Karpets. This means Haimar is now ranked 15th overall. Though, I do think a top 10 finish will be hard for him, probably too hard, so I`d rather see him go for stage-wins. But, whatever he does, be sure Haimar will produce the goods; he always does.
• Igor Antón: Hard to say anything about Igor. Has surprisingly come in with the gruppetto on both mountain stages so far, something which was rather unexpected. He was so good in the Dauphiné, so what he`s doing now I don`t know. Perhaps he`s saving some energy for the remaining mountain stages so that he can join a break and fight for a stage-win that way. I don`t know, time will tell. But, no matter what, it`s disappointing stuff from him so far.
• Mikel Astarloza: Great Tour so far for him. He did a great prologue, stayed with the favourites at the Colombière, came in not far behind at Tignes, and is now 21st overall. He`s also been visible on several stages, either it`s going for intermediate sprints or chasing breaks in the mountains. Riders like him makes Euskaltel an entertaining team to watch, so thumbs up for Mikel. A stage-win looks a real possibility for him if he joins the right break.
• Jorge Azanza: OK so far in his debut Tour. Stayed in the pack on the flat stages, and showed himself for the first time yesterday in a break. Jorge is at the Tour mainly to get experience, so I don`t expect an awful lot from him. Though, good to see him in a break anyway. Would be pleased if he gets to Paris, and I hope to see him in one more break until then.
• Iñaki Isasi: 113th overall and comletely invisible. Had hoped to see him on some of the flat stages, but I guess it`s normal to be a bit careful after two broken collarbones already this season. Though, I hope and think his form will get better and better for each day, and hopefully he`ll let himself be seen in a break or in a dash for the line in a sprint.
• Iñigo Landaluze: Well, you just have to feel for the lad. Coming so close to a stage-win, again, must hurt like hell, but it was nonetheless a great performance from Iñigo. His form is excellent, so I wouldn`t exclude him from winning a stage just yet. The transitional stages between the Alps and the Pyrenees should suit him. Aupa!
• Rubén Pérez: Awesome job so far. He`s been one of the most active riders in the whole race, and it`s his first time! Looks really strong at the moment, and, thanks Rubén, you make me proud of my team.
• Gorka Verdugo: He`s also enjoyed a great Tour. As he`s said himself, he`s in great shape, and it shows. I`ve never seen Gorka so active and willing to attack as he is right now, and his attacking is surely not over. Seems strong on all terrain at the moment, and he`s been a valuable member of the team.
• Amets Txurruka: 36th overall speaks volumes of his talent. He was okay on the first hilly stage and the first mountain stage. But, on yesterday`s stage he was just phenomenal I reckon. Active all day and really showed himself. He`s a decent bet for a stage-win in the future, but I`m afraid it`s too early for him now. Would be great to see him finish the race, but don`t count on it. He`s still young, and it would be wise to throw in the towel some time next week so that he`s not completely exhausted and empty for the remainder of the season.