Euskaltel gets ready for Nationals

Basque outfit Euskaltel-Euskadi is preparing for the Spanish national title races. The time trial, not necessarily known as a speciality of the team, is 46 kilometres long and contains the climb of the Puerto de las Cabrejas, which has to be done three times. This might fare well with the orange-clad equipe that is better known for their climbing skills rather than the race against the clock.

The time trial starts in Cuenca, at an altitude of 940 metres. The main climb begins at 1010 metres and is four kilometres long. It tops out at 1180 metres. The three-peat means that the riders will have twelve kilometres of climbing, hardly an advantage for the aero-specialists.

Euskaltel-Euskadi is only sending one rider, Markel Irizar, to the desert-like area that has suffered substantial tree loss in the early 2000's. The team hopes he is at his best and will contend for a podium spot.

On the other hand they will send a full team of twelve riders to the road race, which will take place on Sunday, July 1. The lucky dozen selected are Beñat Albizuri, Lander Aperribai, Jon Bru, Iban Iriondo, Iñaki Flores, Markel Irizar, Andoni Lafuente, Iban Mayoz, Alan Pérez, Amets Txurruka, Unai Uribarri and Juan Jose Oroz Ugalde.

The road race is 189 kilometres long and also features a lot of climbing, with a two-kilometre long hill located close before the finish, which could be the race's decision maker.