Zubeldia to top form in three weeks

Haimar Zubeldia (Euskaltel-Euskadi) finished a strong fifth in the Dauphiné Libéré, which completed Sunday. The Basque showed great fitness ahead of the Tour de France, which will be his next race, starting on July 5.

"I was feeling well, especially in the climbs, and that encourages me to continue my preparation for the Tour de France," the rider from Usurbil commented. "It's a great sign to rub shoulders with riders like Evans or Valverde; that shows me that things are going well."

Zubeldia, who finished 12th in the Tour de Romandie and sixth in Catalunya, thinks that there is still room for improvement. "There are three weeks left until the Tour de France starts, and one has to be cautious. During that time it is important to recover well and to fine tune right up to the start of the race."

Euskaltel's leader is very satisfied with how the team has presented itself in the last few races. "The team functions very well. In the decisive moments we are in good positions and this gives us morale and confidence."