Euskaltel Euskadi is preparing to face the 2024 season with a squad of 21 riders, consolidating its Basque identity with the presence of 16 local riders. The latest to join the team is James Fouché, who has been a member of the Euskadi Foundation's youth academy.
The addition of New Zealander Fouché, born in 1998 in Christchurch, adds an international touch to the team and strengthens the block of sprinters and classics riders. Fouché, from the Bolton Equities Black Spoke (2021-2023), has proven his versatility and experience racing a European calendar of races and classics.
With eight additions in total for the 2024 season, Euskaltel-Euskadi has completed a balanced and competitive squad. Jon Aberasturi, Nicolás Alustiza, Iker Bonillo, Xavier Cañellas, Víctor de la Parte, Iker Mintegi and Unai Zubeldia join the list of signings that promise to strengthen the team in different areas.
Jorge Azanza, sports manager of the orange team, highlights the combination of veteran and youth in the squad, with an average age of 26.4 years, representing the ideal maturity of the block. Veterans Luis Ángel Maté (1989) and Víctor de la Parte (1986) lead the group, while Iker Bonillo and Unai Zubeldia, both born in 2003, bring youth and fresh energy.
The Euskadi Foundation's youth academy continues to be a vital source of talent for the team, with riders such as Alustiza, Mintegi and Zubeldia moving up from the LABORAL Kutxa subsidiary. The continuity in the team of riders such as Aberasturi, Azurmendi, Bizkarra, Iturria and Martín, who trained in previous Fundación Euskadi teams, underlines the importance of local training in the team's structure.
James Fouché, excited to join the team, shares his anticipation for the 2024 season and his personal and collective goals. His track record includes victories in the GP Cerami and the KOM classification at the Tour of Britain and the Tour Poitou Charentes. With a double New Zealand Championship and Oceania Championship in 2022, Fouché will bring experience and quality to the team.
The team, with the exception of Fouché, is currently based at the Hotel Cap Negret in Altea, Alicante, until January 18. The start of the season is scheduled with the one-day races Clàssica Comunitat Valenciana 1969 (January 20) and Ruta de la Cerámica (January 21). Meanwhile, Fouché will compete in the New Zealand Championships in early February before linking up with the team in Europe.
The complete Euskaltel-Euskadi squad for 2024 has the following 21 riders: Jon Aberasturi, Nicolás Alustiza, Enekoitz Azparren, Ibai Azurmendi, Xabier Berasategi, Mikel Bizkarra, Iker Bonillo, Joan Bou, Xavier Cañellas, Unai Cuadrado, Víctor de la Parte, Asier Etxeberria, James Fouché, Xabier Isasa, Mikel Iturria, Txomin Juaristi, Andoni López de Abetxuko, Gotzon Martín, Luis Ángel Maté, Iker Mintegi and Unai Zubeldia.
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Article written by Juan Larra.
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✍️ @jamesfouche98 se incorpora al equipo y cierra la plantilla de 2024. 🗣️ "De niño, recuerdo ver al equipo por televisión en las grandes carreras del mundo y ser parte ahora de este proyecto es increíble” 🗞️ Noticia: fundacioneuskadi.eus/actualidad/eus… #EuskaltelEuskadi 📸Claude Brissez
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