Re:
Libertine Seguros said:
Despite the likes of Samu and Antón being around, I said back at the time that in the long-term Ion may end up being the star lot at the Euskaltel auction when the team disbanded. It's not quite right, since of course there was Landa too, but Ion is emerging into a very solid all-rounder and week-racer, possibly a stagehunter elsewhere, a bit like Luísle was for Abarcá in the Caisse d'Epargne days.
Izagirre has many of the same characteristics, but I think Luis was the more talented rider, at least when it came down to stage hunting. He was simply phenomenal at that, still is to some extent, while Ion has trouble finishing races off. You rarely see him win anything, but this year he actually already have 2 wins. Thats why I was so glad when he won that prologue, he needs to get that instinct of a winner.
On the other hand, I think Izagirre, if given the right support, has the potential to be a lot better of a GC-rider. He already pretty much is at this point already in 1 weekers, but Im thinking further ahead to the GT's also. Im pretty sure he will get somewhat of a free role in the Vuelta if he isn't selected in the Tour which I dont think he will. He has only had one chance to show himself and that failed pretty miserable, but this is the Vuelta, home of 1 stage, 1 climb.
Who knows. Maybe he should just focus on one week races, Spilak-esque, but I would like to see him try himself out in the Vuelta and Giro. Who knows. Great rider!
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