Unzué denies Durán capture

Despite reports to the contrary, Team Movistar manager Eusebio Unzué says Arkaitz Durán has not signed a contract with the team. In addition, Euskaltel are said to be interested.

BiciCiclismo reported on Sunday that the long-running WorldTour outfit had snapped up the 26-year-old Azysa-Telco'm-Conor WRC rider, but the announcement now appears to have been premature, judging by Unzué's comments.

"The signing is in no way completed", Unzué, brother of newly-resigned Racing Club de Santander coach Juan Carlos Unzué, told the website. "We've been interested, that's true, but nothing's set in stone. There's plenty of reasons to sign him, but the problem is the lack of space on the roster. Right now we're evaluating who to let go as we're looking to slim the team, and we've already signed two or three riders. I won't deny that we're interested in Durán though, he deserves to return".

It's long been known that the powerhouse team, currently shining in the Vuelta a España, will reduce its roster from 28 to 25 riders ahead of next season. Thus far, Liquigas climbing duo Eros Capecchi and Sylwester Szmyd have teamed up, while Vasili Kyrienka has penned a deal with Sky.

Interestingly, BiciCiclismo adds that Movistar isn't the only team that's been in contact with Durán. Allegedly, Caja Rural, Cofidis and Euskaltel are interested in the once-promising Basque.

Photo: www.atwistedspoke.com