Mikel Landa keeps Astana door open

The young climber refutes reports he's signed with the blue team, but admits it's an option if Euskaltel Euskadi indeed ceases to exist.

A report last weekend by El Diario Vasco had it that Mikel Landa had already signed with Astana for the year to come. That was vehemently denied by the rider just hours later, but the 23-year-old on Tuesday revealed it's very much on the cards if the Euskaltel heads as expected come up short in their hunt for a new sponsor.

"Those of us with a contract in place with Euskaltel for next year are still Euskaltel riders - the team has yet to say it's stopping. They're still looking for a solution", he told Cadena Ser according to BiciCiclismo. "Hopefully it'll all be resolved and we can all stay on here, which is what we want. If the team keeps going, in no way will I leave it it stays in the WorldTour.

"We can listen to offers from other teams, though, and in the case that the team shuts down, we've got the freedom to leave".

One of those offers is reportedly from Vincenzo Nibali's team, and Landa admits they're interested in taking him on.

"They've shown their interest, and that's one of the options I have", he said. "But I won't sign a deal with another team before Euskaltel announce they're leaving the sport.

"In no way have I signed with Astana. There's been interest, but nothing more than that. If the team stops, time will tell if I'll be an Astana rider or not".

Photo: Karlis Medrano