Mikel Landa has become an unexpected talking point in cycling after a photograph of him quickly went viral on social media. The rider from Álava, who will wear Euskaltel - Euskadi colours next season, was pictured in Panama cheering on his future teammates with a Basque flag and a traditional local hat. The image has caught fans’ attention, showing his enthusiasm for the Orange Tide project before he has even officially joined the team.
The photograph came at a particularly important moment for Euskaltel-Euskadi. As Xabier Berasategi and Xabier Isasa celebrated their success at the Grand Prix de Chiriquí, Landa stood between them as a high-profile supporter, sharing their delight at a result that could prove decisive for the Basque team’s ambitions.
Mikel Landa joins the Euskaltel-Euskadi fans in Panama
The climber’s presence in Panama did not go unnoticed. With a Basque flag in his hand and a traditional Panamanian hat on his head, Landa was at the finish line to support the riders of the team he will join in 2027. The photograph of the three Basques, shared on Euskaltel-Euskadi’s social media accounts, quickly became a talking point among supporters.
Fans were quick to respond. Comments poured in beneath the post, particularly from those following Landa’s career and his forthcoming move. The hat, together with the Basque flag and the two riders beside him, gave the photograph a spontaneous charm that helped it spread.
Beyond the photograph itself, the scene also offered a glimpse of Landa’s connection with his future team. Although his new chapter with the squad in orange has yet to begin officially, the Basque rider has already been out supporting his future teammates at a race with far more at stake than the immediate results.
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Euskaltel-Euskadi move closer to the 2027 Vuelta a España
Xabier Berasategi and Xabier Isasa’s one-two finish at the Grand Prix de Chiriquí has given Euskaltel-Euskadi a vital boost in their bid to secure a place at next year’s Vuelta a España. The Basque squad are in the midst of their own “Mission Impossible” to return to the Spanish Grand Tour, with every point earned in the closing weeks of the season potentially making a difference.
Their results in Panama, combined with their efforts at other races, including those in Algeria, have lifted the team to 28th in the UCI rankings on 1,810 points. That puts the Orange Tide 118 points ahead of MSB Bank CSB Telecom Fort, who currently occupy the final place in the top 30.
Con sombrero panameño,ikurriña en mano y a pie de meta en Chiriquí. Como no te vamos a querer LANDA MEANA! #MikelLandaElputoamo https://t.co/xDvHUlE1m6
— De lejarreta y sean kelly. (@gurpeazkar) October 16, 2026
That cushion keeps their hopes of securing an invitation to the 2027 Vuelta a España alive. Euskaltel-Euskadi still have to defend their position, but their one-two in Chiriquí represents an important step in a battle where every result could prove decisive.
Against that backdrop, the photograph of Landa takes on added significance. The team’s incoming signing is pictured celebrating alongside Berasategi and Isasa at a crucial moment for the Basque squad. Its spontaneity has won over fans on social media, while also capturing the bond between the rider from Álava and the team whose colours he will wear next season.
Juan LarraCycling Journalist
Juan Larra is a writer for Cyclinguptodate and editor-in-chief of Ciclismoaldia, where he has played a central role since its inception. Under his leadership, the website has become a trusted source for professional cycling coverage, offering in-depth analysis, news, and feature stories.
A sports journalist with over 20 years of experience, Juan earned his degree in Journalism from the University of Seville in 2007. He began his career covering a wide range of sports—including football, basketball, Formula 1, MotoGP, tennis, and cycling—for platforms such as the official La Liga app, Vodafone and Movistar websites, NBA Blogdebasket, and Cadena Cope, honing his skills in writing and editorial management.
In addition to his work at Ciclismoaldia, Juan contributes to Cyclinguptodate and serves as editor-in-chief for the tennis-focused site Tenisaldia. Throughout his career, he has conducted exclusive interviews with cyclists and sports figures, provided detailed analysis of competitions ranging from local Spanish races to major international events, and acted as a special correspondent at prestigious races including Paris-Roubaix, the Tour de France, and the Vuelta a España.
Juan’s combination of experience, expertise, and direct access to athletes has established him—and the platforms he leads—as authoritative voices in professional cycling.
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- Love this guy. He is such a pure racer.mij07-11-2026
- Fair enough. Everyone’s entitled to one and I respect yours! Nothing wrong with being a one week and GT guy if that’s his vibemij07-11-2026
- LOL...it's a predetermined finish ! N one is 'clashing' at these exhibition crits!frieders307-11-2026
- Surely the UCI and the race organisers have a responsibility to ensure the best medical care is available to riders when incidents like this happen. All very well pushing for global expansion but not so good if riders lives are put at risk because medical support is not up to scratch.Andy12306-11-2026
- Well it clearly helps that this was Pidcock's own car, no?Occam06-11-2026
- The American performance at the World's road race was a masterclass in cycling tactics. If it wasn't McNulty, it might well have been Jorgensen or Simmons to take off and win in a solo break.Occam06-11-2026
- What a gimmick
Rafionain-Glas06-11-2026 - Thats only cause he rides for UAE. In any other team he would be captain in many races atleast. UAE is just to crazymiguel06-11-2026
- He seems to be the rare athlete whose passion and curiosity about life beyond his sport equals his extraordinary achievements in it. It would be great for him to risk less of that life. He seems very grateful and joyful for what he has already attained.
MarkFour06-11-2026 - As much as I admire and even revere Wout, the less I know about his backside the better.MidnightRider06-11-2026
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