Basque duo picked for l'Avenir

Haritz Orbe and Beñat Txoperena will both get the chance to test themselves at the biggest sub-23 bike race on earth later in August.

The Basque duo, along with with Team Euskadi rider Carlos Barbero, Caja Rural's Rubén Fernández, Cafés Baqué-Conservas Campos rider Mario González and Lizarte's Antonio Pedrero, have been picked by national team selector Pascual Momparler for the Tour de l'Avenir, reports the Spanish Cycling Federation.

Orbe has been in impressive shape all year, once again showing his qualities with a dangerous late-race move in the finale of the third stage of the Vuelta a Burgos on Friday. Txoperena on his part celebrated his inclusion in the team by winning the Torneo Lehendakari-race in Muxika.

While Txoperena will get his l'Avenir bow, Orbe was also a participant last year. Back then, the now 21-year-old from Gernika finished top 20 on two stages en route to a low-key 102nd overall.

He's shown his pedigree in some of the biggest races this year, though. In May, he finished second on two stages in the prestigious Ronde de l'Isard, while he also finished runner-up in the Vuelta a la Comunidad de Madrid sub-23 last month.

Photo: Cobbles & Hills