Gorka looking to emulate Ion in France

Ion Izagirre grabbed a noteworthy third at the Les Boucles de Sud Ardèche early last season. This year, brother Gorka will head up Euskaltel's challenge in France.

The team, to be directed by Óscar Guerrero, will take on two French one-dayers this weekend, starting with the newly-created Drôme Classic on Saturday and Sud Ardèche on Sunday.

The following seven riders will don the Euskaltel jersey across the border:

• Jon Aberasturi
• Mikel Astarloza
• Garikoitz Bravo
• Gorka Izagirre
• Jure Kocjan
• Miguel Mínguez
• Steffen Radochla

Both races are held on circuits, at least partly, and so should suit the explosive Gorka, newcomer Kocjan and on-form Mínguez.