Antón to head up Burgos challenge

Igor Antón will ramp up his preparation for the Vuelta a España by leading the team in the Vuelta a Burgos, www.biciciclismo.com reports.

The five-day stage-race running from August 1-5, in which Samuel Sánchez triumphed overall in 2010 and Ibán Mayo likewise in 2006, is likely to see the following Euskaltel riders line up: Igor Antón, Romain Sicard, Mikel Landa, Juan José Oroz, Iván Velasco, Alan Pérez, Ricardo García and Peio Bilbao.

The race comes to a close a fortnight before the Vuelta gets underway in Pamplona, and will as such be a vital testing ground for Antón. The Galdakao native struggled with gastroenteritis last year on his way  to a subdued eighth overall.

Last year's victor, the indomitable Joaquín Rodríguez, will be back to defend his title.