Strong Euskaltel performance in Autun

Euskaltel have continued their strong showing in the Tour these last two days. With Gorka in the break yesterday, and with Rubén and Iñaki 12th and 20th in the sprint, it was a good outing for the whole team on stage 4. Today`s hilly 5th stage saw four Euskaltel riders finish inside the leading group. Iñigo tried to surprise the sprinters with an attack inside the last 400 metres, but, even though he led the peloton for a while, he wasn`t successful. He ended up 18th eventually, but the most important thing is that he looks to be in good shape for the first time this year. Expect Iñigo to be in important breaks the next few days. Haimar and Mikel both of course came in with the main group, meaning that Mikel now occupies 8th spot on GC. Haimar is further back, but still well within touching distance of the leaders going into the Alps. They both look focused and concentrated, and I like the fact that they both stay in the front of the pack on most stages. There`s been a lot of crashes so far in this Tour, and it`s no secret they occur at the back of the peloton. The 4th Euskaltel rider to come in with the leaders today was Rubén, who looks to be in the shape of his life these days. Igor came in 28 seconds back, again, so I`m not sure what to make of his form. Jorge, Amets and Iñaki all came in only 1:20 back, so they`re doing okay. Gorka suffered a bit from yesterday`s efforts, coming in 4:29 adrift, but I don`t worry about him, he`ll always cope and come through. I hope the guys will take it easy tomorrow, so that the batteries are all charged up for the Alps coming on Saturday. Aupa Euskaltel!