Zubeldia thanks team and fans

Haimar Zubeldia signed a two-year contract with Astana, after having spent 11 years with Basque outfit Euskaltel-Euskadi. The 31 year-old has no regrets about his time with Euskaltel. "I was privileged to have been able to contribute a little piece to this project, which allowed me to be a professional rider and to reach the top."

Writing on his website, haimarzubeldia.es, he appreciated all that the orange team had done for him. "I only have words of thanks for the people I knew in all those eleven years. Starting with my team-mates, the helpers, the sponsors, the fans and, first and foremost, for Miguel Madariaga, the person who gave me the possibility to be professional."

Zubeldia especially acknowledged his fans. "Thanks a lot to all of you who supported me. I hope to carry on giving you reasons to support me."

Zubeldia, who is Basque, was able to finish in the top 10 of the Tour de France three times. His reasons for the move were simple. "After all those years I believe that for me as well as for the team this is the right decision. At my age I believe that I should search for new stimulation."

Zubeldia is now looking forward to new goals. "My next destination is Team Astana. I await this challenge with a lot of anticipation. I just hope to be able to return the confidence that they place in me. I will give my best in the races."(MP)