The Basque team of Euskaltel got back on their feet after a disastrous 2005. Not Mayo, Zubeldia nor Laiseka were responsible. Samuel Sanchez didn't just ride for Euskaltel, he was Euskaltel. Not bad for an Asturian! Samuel Sanchez avoided the Tour de France which enabled him to reach a super shape in both spring and fall. That had it's consequences.


In the Vuelta Ciclista al País Vasco (Tour of the Basque country) he just missed out on the final victory, inspite of his two stage wins. The allrounder had a firm belief that he could do well in the "big Vuelta" and finish on the podium. That proved being a bridge too far after three weeks. However, he was up there with the best in the high mountains and put the crown on his work in the thirteenth stage, which he won. Finally, he was crowned in the very wet Züri Metzgete race to close off his season in glory.


Due to Mayo leaving to Saunier Duval and the goodbye to cycling by the (almost) prehistoric, but oh so wonderful Roberto Laiseka, Samuel Sanchez has an even greater responibility within the team. Nevertheless, it's not as black and white as it sounds. Igor Anton, Koldo Fernandez and Iñaki Isasi have shown us quite good stuff in 2006, so there's hope for the future.


As always the Euskaltel managementteam has found a few good new riders. Galdos was found at Panaria, fast in the sprint. The Kaiku trio Azanza, Bru and Galparsoro fit right in the team, with their strong climbing and reasonable sprinting skills.


Then again, the balance should remain about the same, since good riders have also left. Like we said, Laiseka stopped altogether and Iban Mayo went to the competition for a breath of fresh air. In David Lopez (Caisse d´Epargne), Iker Camano (Saunier Duval), David Herrero (Karpin), Iker Flores and Gorka Gonzalez (both unknown) manager Madariaga lost a few wonderful riders.


This year will see some new and promising riders in the Euskaltel ProTour team. A major concern is that these many young and promising Spaniards often fail to produce the goods outside Spain in the big ProTour races. The burden is principally on Samuel Sanchez' shoulders, who by now is a world-class rider. Let's hope that the many Basque riders can give him the support he needs and get some results themselves.


New:
Mikel Astarloza (AG2R), Aitor Galdos (Ceramiche Panaria), Jorge Azanza, Jon Bru, Dioni Galparsoro (Kaiku), Amets Txurruka (Barloworld), Iban Velasco (Orbea), Lander Aperribai, Andoni Lafuente (neo)


Left the team:
David Lopez (Caisse d´Epargne), Iker Camano, Iban Mayo (Saunier Duval), David Herrero (Karpin-Galicia), Iker Flores, Joseba Albizu, Gorka Gonzalez (unknown)