Bet on Cycling

The Euskaltel-Euskadi team is far more than just a major cycling team: reflects a whole region and represents a special sporting and cultural identity.

The team was created 1994 and is now one of the oldest teams in professional cycling, yet it boasts support from both young school children and the many passionate cycling fans of the Basque Region.

The bright orange-coloured jersey is a sign of regional pride and the fans gather on the roadside to cheer on the riders during the Vuelta al Pais Vasco, the Tour de France, the Clásica San Sebastián and the Vuelta. They celebrate both cycling and their unique culture.

Only riders born in the Basque region in northern Spain and southern France are allowed to ride for the team, with a rare exception given for riders who have lived in the region for a long time and come through the Euskadi development programme.

The team has been undergoing a gradual rebuilding in recent years but has developed a new generation of riders and secured UCI ProTeam status for 2011.

Beijing Olympic road race gold medallist Samuel Sánchez is still the figurehead and team leader. He is often targeted by other teams but has always opted to stay with Euskaltel-Euskadi.

In 2010 Sánchez won five races and ended the season ranked tenth in the world. He was especially impressive in the Tour de France, finishing fourth overall. He is expected to target the three-week French race again in 2011.

Climber Igor Antón confirmed his huge talent during the Vuelta a España, winning two stages thanks to some aggressive riding. But he was unfortunate to crash at speed and he lost any chance of overall victory. No doubt he will be back for revenge in 2011, when the Vuelta is set to visit the Basque Country for some of the key stages.

Romain Sicard hails from the French part of the Basque Region but is a huge stage race prospect for the future, as are Iñaki Flores, Amets Txurruka and Jonathan Castroviejo.