Euskaltel ready for European season-opener

Euskaltel will bring riders from four different countries to the first race of the European season on Sunday, the Gran Prix d'Ouverture La Marseillaise.

While a septet is quietly impressing Down Under as we speak, another seven orange-clad riders will hope to get their season off to an equally inspired start tomorrow. The 148km French Cup-race will see the following riders at the start:

• 71 - Romain Sicard
• 72 - Jure Kocjan
• 73 - Adrián Sáez
• 74 - Pablo Urtasun
• 75 - Ricardo Mestre
• 76 - Rubén Pérez
• 77 - Ricardo García

The race will of course mark the 2013 kick-off for all of them, and Romain Sicard, racing on home roads in a season that will likely see him debut at the Tour this summer, should find the lumpy course to his liking, though he told French newspaper La Provence a few days ago that his shape is "always a big doubt at the start of the season".

One who'll definitely look to shine in his first race for the team is Slovenian Jure Kocjan. His top-end speed should stand him in good stead at a race that traditionally ends in a small-sized bunch gallop, and the 28-year-old proved he's got what it takes in this race by taking fourth two years ago.

For start list, race profile and what's more, click here. 

To gear up for the race, check out Sicard's ride to the sub-23 worlds crown in Mendrisio below to get a glimpse of the rider he aspires to rediscover this year:

Photo: Orbea