Basque hotshots to get their pro chance

Loïc Chetout and Víctor Etxeberría have been rewarded for their strong performances in the Naturgas Energía colours by being picked to ride for Team Euskadi next month.

Chetout has been the sub-23 team's outstanding rider this season, having taken three wins thus far and finally delivered on his undoubted talent. The punchy Frenchman turns 21 next month and will mark the anniversary by lining up with the pros of Euskadi for the two-day Tour de Gevaudan in his home country.

The race, usually Euskadi's last every season, has been used frequently by the Continental-ranked outfit the last few years to blood youngsters from their satellite team.

Chetout will be joined by the equally promising Víctor Etxeberría, reports the team's website. Etxeberría, one year Chetout's junior, is highly thought of on the Basque amateur scene and is about to complete his second season in the red and white jersey of Naturgas.

Photo: Karlis Medrano