Star duo satisfied with Giro performance

Jon Izagirre and Mikel Nieve made sure Euskaltel achieved what they set out to do prior to the commencement of the Giro d'Italia: grab a stage win and finish in the top ten overall. Izagirre of course made the stage into Pfalzen everything but a contest by soloing clear with alarming ease to land the team a victory, while Nieve was at his consistent best by taking tenth overall. No wonder they were happy after reaching Milano.

"It's been a positive Giro", team leader Nieve told www.fundacioneuskadi.com. "If you finish tenth in a race as testing as the Giro you've got be satisfied. In addition, we've shown we're a united and valiant team by attacking from far out and taking risks. Jon's win was spectacular and provided us the motivation we needed to keep going 'till the end of this race. We've been in breaks and showed ourselves everyday, so we're going home a happy bunch".

Izagirre was equally unequivocal in his evaluation of the race, saying "the team has done ever so well and I'm very pleased with my win. I came into the race with the respect a three-week race deserves, especially as a debutant, and I'm very satisfied with how it turned out. We fought 'till the last minute for Mikel's top ten GC bid and came through, so we can be happy with what we accomplished."

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