Euskaltel - Euskadi have revealed their lineup for the upcoming Vuelta a Espana. One of the wildcard teams, the orange squad will be racing at home once the convoy reaches Spain, and they will be chasing breakaways and stage wins throughout the three weeks.
"The objective of the Vuelta a España is to be an active part and be present in the race, like last year, to try to be in all the breakaways that are possible," team DS Jorge Azanza said. "Of course, in the stages of home, that we can be good at, try to sneak in the best possible tricks in the breakaways to, if possible, fight for a stage".
Whilst Luis Ángel Maté will be on a personal mission to have as many breakaway kilometer as possible so as to plant trees near his home after wildfires, the team is likely to be present with the likes of Ibai Azurmendi, Joan Bou and Gotzon Martín also having the goal of giving the team as much exposure as possible. In relation to taking wins the hilly days will be their best opportunities, with the likes of Carlos Canal, Xabier Mikel Azparren and 2019 stage winner Mikel Iturria as strong puncheurs and rouleurs respectively. Mikel Bizkarra was also selected, giving the team it's best card for the mountainous days.
"It is a special Vuelta a España for us that starts in the Netherlands and then resumes here in front of our fans, on our roads, our public, and that is why it is important to do it well and not lose the identity of the team of being in the fight," Azanza said.
Euskaltel - Euskadi for Vuelta a Espana: Xabier Mikel Azparren, Ibai Azurmendi, Mikel Bizkarra, Joan Bou, Carlos Canal, Gotzon Martín, Mikel Iturria and Luis Ángel Maté.
🧡 #EuskaltelEuskadi #LaVuelta22 👉 Los 8 elegidos para @lavuelta. Una edición muy especial ya que 3 etapas serán en casa. 🗣️ @AzanzaJorge: "El objetivo de la Vuelta es ser parte activa y estar presentes en carrera" 🗞️ Toda la info: fundacioneuskadi.eus/es/actualidad/… #UmimosFuerzas
