Fraile - I've got Igor's word on it

Omar Fraile made quite a few waves at the recent edition of the Vuelta al País Vasco, especially so with his brave breakaway attempt on the penultimate leg into Beasain.

What with Euskaltel's below-par performance at the same race, Fraile's ride was all the more remarkable. The Caja Rural rider was of course set to sign for Igor González de Galdeano's team before the start of the current season, but both parties famously decided to set that deal aside and go separate ways instead.

Still, though, rumours have circulated that the 23-year-old might turn out in orange in 2014. Talking to Cobbles&Hills, the man himself confirmed a deal is virtually in place to take him to Euskaltel ahead of next year.

"Yes, I've got Igor González de Galdeano's word on it that I will join Euskaltel", he stated. "That's a good thing to know as it makes you calm, but it still makes me motivated to keep working to show I deserve to be in the WorldTour".

Both parties have been vague on what the reasoning behind postponing Fraile's jump into the big league was. It appears to be nothing in particular, though - he simply wasn't ready for it.

"Last year was basically just difficult for me with injuries and circumstances hindering me in getting ready for the WorldTour. Igor proposed that I would stay on another year at this level and then join Euskaltel later on. Today, that seems to have been the right decision".