Aitor Seconds in Memorial

Aitor Galdos became second in the Memorial Isabel Clavera, a race in Los Rozas, a suburb of Madrid. Hector Guerra took the victory home and Alberto Fernandez de la Puebla became third.

Yes, we got it!

After some hesitations and a terrifying waiting period, it's now official that Euskaltel will maintain his ProTour license for the next year. I'm not sure for wich races this ProTour license grants the start right, but it's better than waiting every time for it. This also means that Euskaltel will have to come to the Tour of Flandres and other Belgian races, so I can see them once again :)

Criterium Mitos del Ciclismo de Cafés Baqué

As you all can imagine, Euskaltel was omnipresent at the Criterium Mitos del Ciclismo de Cafés Baqué. Our two sprinters, Aitor Galdos and Koldo Fernandez did both a good job. Koldo just missed out on the victory in the points race, losing to Ricardo Serrano, but Aitor Galdos managed to win the elimination race in front of Iker Camaño and Iban Mayoz. There was also a race for the real 'myths' which was won by Miguel Indurain.

Dioni Galparsoro finds new team

It's raining good news for Euskaltel fans these days. After the news about Samu and the contract for Aketza Peña, now Dioni Galparsoro has found a new team too. Next year he will ride for Contentpolis-Murcia or Murcia-AMPO, the new name. Together with three other basques Aitor Perez, Mikel Gaztañaga and Gorka Izagirre. Good luck!

Sanchez for Vuelta 2009

Samuel Sanchez has announced his goals for 2009. He will skip the Tour de France and will concentrate on the Vuelta al Pais Vasco, the big Vuelta and the World Championships. Samu is convinced that he can win the Vuelta after his third place in 2007. He will also go to San Diego to ameliorise his time trial skills in a wind tunnel.

Aketza Peña finds a team

Aketza Peña will finally be able to leave all his past problems behind cause he has finally found a team. In 2009 he will ride for the Portuguese team Cartaxo-Capital, lead by Renato Silva. Of course Aketza was very happy with this contract as he said to biciciclismo 'To find a team is a great triumph for me because my situation was very difficult.' Apparently he has to thank his training mate José Antonio Garrido for this contract, cause he would have helped him to get in this new team too. I'm looking forward to what he will be able to show us next year!

Euskaltel present at 'Mitos del Ciclismo'

A lot ofr riders from Euskaltel will be present at the criterium Mitos del Ciclismo this weekend. Haimar Zubeldia, Koldo Fernandez, Iñigo Landaluze, Aitor Galdos, Ruben Perez, Dioni Galparsoro, Beñat Albizuri and Amets Txurruka will all participate in the race together with myths like Miguel Indurain, Marino Lejaretta and Joseba Beloki, but also a lot of ex-riders like Etxebarria, Mayoz, Herrero, Uribarri, Laiseka and I probably forget some others.

No contract for Koldo Gil

News Flash: After the message that Koldo Gil might come to Euskaltel, there came a quick reaction that he wouldn't get a contract with the team next year.

Koldo Gil applies for job with Euskaltel

The very talented climber Koldo Gil Perez has applied for a contract with Euskaltel next year. The Basque from Navarre doesn't have a contract yet for 2009 and called Igor Gonzalez de Galdeano. He said it would become difficult because normally there were no places left in the orange squad. But Igor would think about it.

Of course Koldo Gil would be a great rider to add some wins for the team, but there are still these rumours about him and doctor Fuentes, and that could have a negative effect on the team.

Euskaltel short news : Azanza - Samu - Aketza

• After breaking his collarbone in the Vuelta al Pais Vasco last year, Jorge Azanza has now the metal plate in his shoulder removed. Everything went well during the operation and he good go back home immediately.
• Because of his great personality, Samuel Sanchez has won the Premio Delfos del deporte. This prize was awarded this friday by the Asociación de Amigos del Deporte.
• The Euskaltel riders will go on their first training camp from the 23th till the 27th november in Derio. Here they will try to decide who will ride where. talk to the media and do some medical examinations.
• Aketza Peña became third in the ciclo-cross de Las Regueras in the Asturias. He finished after Isaac Suarez and José Diez, but in front of great riders like Unai Yus and Eladio Sanchez.

Sergio de Lis joins Euskaltel

It came as a suprise, but Euskaltel has hired another rider for the upcoming season. Sergio de Lis was the chosen one, a 22-year old promising rider from San Sebastian. Last year he rode for Orbea and in the Circuito Montañes he became second in the second stage and wore the leaders jersey for two days.
Hopefully he will be able to impress the staff of Euskaltel and all of us. Of course I wish him all the best for the upcoming season!

Aketza 5th in Colindres

I know Aketza Peña isn't part of the Euskaltel squad anymore, but I would like to continue following him in his cyclocross adventures, because I know that you all still carry a warm heart towards him and wish him all the best.

This saturday Aketza started his cyclocross tour in Colindres. From the begining he got in the right break of five and together with great riders as Yus, Suarez, Eladio Sanchez and Diez, he battled it out for the victory. Unfortunately in the last round, Aketza had to let go and became fifth. Still a nice performance and this offers prospects for the next races!