Where do we go from here?

I need your help readers. Well, "readers" might not be the best word. I guess you-guys-that-used-to-read-my-blog-before-a-way-too-long-hiatus would be a better word. Or description at least. Or not, whatever. Anyway, I need your help in deciding how I'm going to do this blog. I promised you, and I'm true to my word, that I'll start posting regularly again in the not too distant future. The only thing that keeps me from getting started again is that I don't know what to write about. This blog was supposed to be about Ibán, but what is there to write about a former disgraced cyclist? Obviously he's still my biggest hero, but writing about my admiration for Ibán, which is kind of boring and might seem a little weird to most people, is going to be hard given that he's not riding any more. I guess most of you'll think: "Get over it, he doped, concentrate on Euskaltel in stead". Well, that's not going to happen. My idea was always to go back to writing solely about Ibán again, but I can't do that either, can I? And if I was to just write about Euskaltel, then I'd have to rename the blog, something which is not going to happen. So that leaves me with no idea on how to do this. I'm open to all suggestions, please just let me know what you think by either leaving a comment in the "comments" section below, or send me an e-mail. Looking forward to hearing from you all.

Ibán's done

I realised I promised to keep you up to date with Ibán's situation. It's been a long time since I last posted something. I've missed it, no doubt, and I'll be back, just not quite yet. Anyway, Ibán... Read an interview with him a week or so ago. I know there's been some rumours about a comeback, possibly with Xacobeo-Galicia, but that was, as I thought, just that. Rumours. He's decided to quit the sport all together, and won't be making a comeback. It's over. And he seems content with his decision. Amidst all this, I guess that's what matters the most. Initially I was worried for him after he was exposed as a cheater. We all know he isn't at his best when things go bad, he'd be the first one to admit that. He seems to be a very sensitive guy, so I was worried that his downfall would break him. Therefore I was relieved to read El Correo's interview with him; he seemed totally at peace with his life and situation. Besides writing a column for Basque daily DEIA now and then, he didn't reveal what he's up to now. Anyway, it's sad to realise we won't get to see him on his bike anymore, dancing up those mountains. It was a joy to watch, and man what a talent that guy was. Now all that's left is the memories of a merculiar climber. I'll cherish those memories.

Time-out

My dear readers, I'll be taking some time off the next couple of weeks. I'm sorry to say it, but I have to. But you should be fine I think, we're still in the off-season and not much is going on. I just need to free some time that's all. I'm way too busy, so I decided that I should stop blogging for a while. Though, if there's any news on Ibán you'll still find it here as that's the most important thing. Euskaltel, though, will have to wait I'm afraid. Except for eventual posts about Ibán I won't update it for at least a couple of weeks, perhaps more. But I'm not shutting the blog down mind you, so please check back regularly to find out when I plan to return. Until then, take care.

Galdós 2nd in Memorial Isabel Clavero

Aitor Galdós took another second place in an off-season race. This time in the Memorial Isabel Clavero. Aitor, who by the way has the most efficient pedal stroke in the team I learned today, only got beaten by Héctor Guerra. Just so you know.

Mikel best Basque

Mikel yesterday received the "Best Basque rider in the Tour de France"-award by the Sociedad Urkamendi. The award goes to the rider who did best on GC, which this year turned out to be Mikel with his slightly disappointing 16th place. Former Euskaltel rider Haimar Zubeldia has won the prize four times in his career, while this was Mikel's first time. Team-mates Gorka and Egoi were among the celebrities attending the celebration.

Euskaltel still in Pro Tour

Euskaltel yesterday got their Pro Tour license renewed by the UCI. I guess that's good news, don't you think?

Duo to Logroño

Alán and Juanjo will take part in the I Jornadas sobre Ciclismo Profesional hosted by the Logroñes Cycling Club tomorrow evening. Just so you know.

Pro Tour license up for consideration

Euskaltel have once again applied for a Pro Tour license for the next two years. Good news. The UCI today released a statement which read: "A decision is still pending on applications submitted by the teams Euskaltel-Euskadi (ESP) and BBox Bouygues Telecom (FRA). These applications will be considered at a later date." No need to panic as of yet then.

Training camp day 2

This happened at day two of Euskaltel's training camp in Derio:

• The riders left the hotel at 10:00 AM to pay a visit to bike-manufacturer Orbea's facilities.
• Afterwards the whole team went to Meñaka to celebrate Miguel Madariaga's birthday over lunch.
• After the celebration came to a close, they all headed back to Derio for a short work-out. The majority of the riders opted for the rollers, while some headed for the gym. During the session on the rollers, biomechanic Juan García López got to work with a few of the guys on their positioning.

Trio to promote tourism

Samu, Koldo and Ruben will all get on the plane to Valladolid for the weekend to be present at the XII Feria Internacional del Turismo de Interior. The three riders were invited by the Basque Government's Tourism department, and the riders will be signing autographs at Euskadi's own stand. Samu will be there on Friday, while Koldo and Rubén will be there on Saturday.

The staff

There's been quite a few changes to Euskaltel's backroom staff so far in the off-season, so a lot of you must be confused right now. But I'll try to change that right now:

• General manager: Miguel Madariaga
• Technical secretary: Igor González de Galdeano
• Sports directors: Igor González de Galdeano, Gorka Gerrikagoitia, Josu Larrazabal (Alex Díaz)
• Sport psychologist: Sergio Torres
• Physical trainers: Josu Larrazabal, Alex Díaz
• Doctors: Raquel Ortolano, Guillermo Cuesta, Sergio Quilez
• Biomechanic: Juan García López
• Osteopath: Nicolas Pescheux
• Spokesman: Jesus Aizkorbe
• Mechanics: Tomás Amezaga, Luis Lamas, Eneko Larrea, Jose Cruz Mujica, Joxe Nazabal, Luis Otazu
• Masseurs: Andoni Arce, Miguel Caravaca, Jon Carbayeda Gabino Ereñozaga, Miguel Izaguirre, Joseba Lekue, Borja Rodríguez