I get that, but Frenchies don't seem that type to run to the Basque country. Perhaps a better example would be Unai Etexebarria (I am 100% I misspelled both his names), who, as you know, is Columbian, or Venezuelan or something.

Although this guy is apparently French basque, that said it'll be weird seeing a frenchie on Euskatel

That's not entirely true, being Basque is certainly good if you want to ride for Euskaltel. Samuel Sanchez one way or another met Madariga when he moved to the Basque country as a youngster, that came in handy when signing the contract.

Oh and by the way Unai Etxebarria is Venezuelan, but only because he does not want to have the Spanish nationality. He lives in the Basque country (next to David Etxebarria actually, a close friend but not a relative) and his parents have Basque origins.

There are many people with Basque origins in the Americas, that's also why Samuel Sanchez always does his wind tunnel tests in San Diego, because of the connections they have there.

Concerning Iban Mayo, at the end of April there were some very vague rumours about him returning to professional cycling with Xacobeo Galicia, but I didn't hear anything from him lately. Hope he will come back though, he's my favourite rider.

Leigh Howard has signed a two year contract with Columbia

Skil-Shimano has extended with Thierry Hupond, Albert Timmer, Kenny van Hummel, Simon Geschke, Piet Rooijakkers and Koen de Kort

Does anyone know if any major riders might be on the move at the end of the season? Obviously Contador has been linked to that F1 guy's squad, and if Bruyneel leaves you'd have to expect that Levi and maybe a couple of other Astana guys would leave as well. Are there any others?

Boasson Hagen, Kirchen and Rogers have yet to sign new contracts with Columbia. My money is on Boasson Hagen to Team Sky

Caisse d'Epargne continues to sign riders whose names wouldn't be amiss in any doping discussion.

Christophe Moreau is the newest recruit

Why on earth does Caisse want Moreau for? Order from france?

Isn't Moreau retiring?

Moreau? Caisse? What?

Maybe Moreau is tired of not winning.

If joining Caisse would help you win then I´d to it too. If this is true then Caisse must be crazy.

Moreau to Caisse,,wow..and why? He should retire..at least from pro-level.
Caisse looking as desperate..they might loose Valverde (for few years)..Pereiro is hugh question mark (after 2008 TdF crash).

Moreau to Caisse? Big surprise.. What use will he have?

both Feillu's to Francaise des Jeux, both signed a deal for 2 years

Ohh, great signings for Francaise de Jeux!

Hey look, a good transfer for both the riders and the team!

Agritubel ends in the end of this season?

Yes.

Didn't they say they will seek a new sponsor ??