The Euskaltel-Euskadi cycling team has officially announced the continuity of four of its talented cyclists, thus consolidating its squad for next season. Ibai Azurmendi, Unai Cuadrado and Luis Ángel Maté will continue to wear the orange colors, while young cyclist Iker Bonillo joins the team. Each of these riders brings their experience and skills to the team, promising an exciting season for the Basque team.
Ibai Azurmendi (renewal)
Ibai Azurmendi, born in Leitza in 1996, will continue his strong relationship with the Euskaltel-Euskadi team, completing a decade with the Euskadi Foundation. Azurmendi, who joined the team as an amateur in 2015, moved up to the pro ranks in the team's return to the elite in 2018. Since then, he has shown steady growth as a cyclist, participating in notable competitions such as the Itzulia and the Clásica San Sebastián. This year, he stood out with breakaways in tours such as the Andalucía and Catalunya, as well as the Coppa Sabatini.
The Navarre rider was enthusiastic about renewing with his home team, saying: "I'm very happy to renew with my home team. More than a team, it's a family for me. I've been here all my life, and thanks to them I have achieved many dreams and goals. I am very proud of them. I feel very lucky and privileged to be able to wear this orange jersey.
Unai Cuadrado (renewal)
Unai Cuadrado, a native of Eribe, Araba, will complete his sixth season with the orange team. Determined to further his cycling progression, Cuadrado has faced physical challenges in previous seasons, but has proven to be a loyal domestique for his teammates. With five years of professional experience since his promotion to the team in 2019, Unai aims to step up and establish himself as a professional cyclist in 2024.
Cuadrado expressed his gratitude to the team, stating: "I am very happy to be part of the team for another year. I am very grateful for all the trust they are giving me and for counting on me for next year's project and to continue growing together".
Luis Ángel Maté (renovation)
Luis Ángel Maté, who will celebrate his 40th birthday and 17 seasons as a professional wearing orange, has renewed for a fourth season with the Basque team. Maté, who won at this year's Vuelta a Portugal, stands out for his passion and dedication to cycling. His experience and commitment make him a valuable asset to the team.
Maté shared his excitement about the renewal: "This renewal is very important for me, it is a great joy because I feel very identified with the team and the project that is being built. It is a great pride, a compliment, and I have all the enthusiasm and motivation in the world".
Iker Bonillo (signing)
Iker Bonillo, a young cyclist from Silla, Comunidad Valenciana, joins Euskaltel-Euskadi from the Italian Project-Bardiani CSF-Faizanè Pro Team. Despite his youth, Bonillo has already demonstrated his potential as a cyclist, rising directly to the professional level with Bardiani. This fast cyclist will bring his speed in fast finishes and one-day races to the Basque team, as well as sharing his experience with the older riders.
The young Valencian expressed his enthusiasm for joining the orange team: "I am very happy with my signing with Euskaltel-Euskadi because it has always been a reference team for me and it will be a pleasure to compete defending its mythical colors. I hope to bring to the team my speed in the fast finishes and in the one-day races and help in the sprints".
Article written by Juan Larra.
✍️ 3 renovaciones y un fichaje para reforzar al equipo. 🗣 @AzanzaJorge: “Ibai y Unai son ciclistas de casa, de la cantera, que han crecido con nosotros; Maté aporta su veteranía; y Bonillo suma juventud y calidad”. 📰 Noticia y declaraciones: fundacioneuskadi.eus/es/actualidad/…
