Beijing all-stars

Continuing their desperate search for UCI points, Euskaltel will field their biggest stars at the upcoming Tour of Beijing.

Despite the race not being particularly hilly, ace climbers and GC contenders Samuel Sánchez, Igor Antón, Gorka Verdugo, Mikel Nieve and Mikel Landa will all line up. They'll be accompanied by an in-form Miguel Minguez, young Peio Bilbo and Iván Velasco, who'll get a last run-out in the orange jersey.

Antón, the mountains prize winner of last year's inaugural edition of course, looked on-song in Lombardia on Saturday, and claims his form is adequate for making an impression on the race.

"Last year was the first staging of the race and we got the climber's jersey. That was important for the team, to be on the podium in a new race in such an important country", he told the team's website. "I'm in good shape after doing the Vuelta a España and the Italian classics, so hopefully I can take advantage of that and do a good race. I'm eager and motivated - let's hope we can put a nice finishing touch to the season".

Team DS Iñaki Isasi admitted the terrain doesn't best suit his charges, but said "we'll do the best we can. Samuel Sánchez has got the quality and the experience to be one of the main players, while Igor Antón and Mikel Nieve are two other talented riders who can aspire to a victory. Gorka (Verdugo) is coming to Beijing to do a good race as his form is very good, which also goes for Iván Velasco."

The race kicks off on the ninth of October and contains five stages, none longer than 183 kilometres. Check out the route here.