From the days of Miguel Indurain, Banesto has been a name at the forefront of cycling. Now they return to create a new team, merging with current sponsor Movistar to create a new ProTour team, with a focus on Spanish and South-American riders. Recreating the exploits of Indurain on the mountains of today is the job of our squad, led by a pair of the world's best on the climbs.
The Sponsors
Banesto
Banesto, founded in Madrid in 1902, is a leading bank in the Spanish and European financial systems with a large network of offices all over Spain, particularly in rural areas. The history of the name rings very truly in cycling, with the famous Banesto team, of the great Miguel Indurain, starring in the pro peloton for 15 years from 1990. One of the biggest names in cycling and banking, Banesto is experienced in running pro-teams like this one.
Movistar
One of the largest integrated telecommunications operators worldwide, Movistar is the first European integrated telecommunications operator supplier of communication, information and entertainment solutions with a presence in Europe, Africa and Latin America. Movistar has been the sole sponsor and a direct descendant of the old Banesto team since 2011, and a perfect partner in 2012.
The Jersey
Designed by Teddy the Creator, this jersey will be a prominent figure in the 2012 peloton. We thank him very much for his work.
The self-proclaimed "third best-climber in the world", Jose Rujano is a monster in the mountains. 6th place in last seasons Giro d'Italia, Jose has proved he has grand-tour pedigree. But can he take the next step, and reach a podium?
ANTON HERNANDEZ Igor
02/03/1983
Igor "Fuji" Anton, the man with no luck. Wearing the leaders jersey after 13 stages in the 2010 Vuelta a Espana, Igor had a nasty fall, causing him to retire. Ever since he has failed to find the form he had, with his best result since a 17th place in the 2011 Giro. Igor is ready for redemption, and with a team behind him, Igor is ready to pounce.
ROJAS GIL Jose Joaquin
08/06/1985
Spoiler
The fastest Spaniard on two wheels, the current national champ is a real speedster. 2nd in the 2011 Tour de France points classification, Rojas will try to do one better in 2012. Rojas has the chance to win a lot of ProTour stages this year.
Free Riders
MOSQUERA MIGUEZ Ezequiel
19/11/1975
Back from his 2011 doping suspension, we're ready to give Ezequiel a second chance. 2nd in the 2010 Vuelta, Mosquera is a proven world-class climber. He may not be at his GT Podium best, so his main role will be as super-luxury domestique to our leaders. He will also have a few chances to ride for himself too.
BARREDO LLAMAZALES Carlos
05/06/1981
The man who can do it all, Carlos Barredo has been impressing the cycling world for years. A solid climber, time-triallist, lead-out man, cobbler, and most of all, puncher. The team's second best puncher behind Anton, Barredo will be vital to the team's assault on the Ardennes.
BETANCUR GOMEZ Carlos Alberto
13/10/1989
Carlos Betancur is one of the most exciting puncheur prospects in cycling. The 2010 GiroBio champion has continued to impress, and with his first win last season, is on the way to a great 2012 season. He is part of a very exciting generation of up and coming Colombian climbers, with Sergio Henao, Nairo Quintana, Fabio Duarte and Rigoberto Uran all on the team's radar for 2013.
TXURRUKA ANSOLA Amets
10/11/1982
A fan-favourite rider, Amets made his name in many Tour de France's over the years. He finished 22nd in 2007, and had a heroic performance in 2009. Amets will give great help on the mountains, as well as driding the breakaways.
Young Riders
CHAVES RUBIO Johan Esteban
17/01/1990
With Chaves here, we have one of the most exciting young Colombians, to partner with Betancur. A very strong pure climber already, at only 21 years of age. He will have many chances to lead, but this season is mainly about developing.
Domestiques
RICHEZE ARAQUISTAIN Ariel Maximiliano
07/03/1983
The eldest of the Richeze brothers, and the more accomplished. A strong conti-level sprinter, he's a former Giro d'Italia stage winner, and he mightn't be that strong anymore, but he's ready to get some strong results in smaller races.
RICHEZE ARAQUISTAIN Mauro Abel
07/12/1985
The younger Rucheze brother is less accomplished, and a little slower than his brother, but has the chance to get just as many solid results.
IZAGIRRE INSAUSTI Gorka
07/10/1987
A strong stage racing domestique, Gorka is highly respected Basqueman. A reliable climber, time-triallist and strong sprinter for his body type.
SAPA Marcin
10/02/1976
The Polish veteran has been a continental domestique for most of his long career, and that will continue in the world tour. His main duties will be as a lead out man and road captain.
CABREIRA Joao Paulo Costa
12/05/1982
Another former doper, Joao has been ridng the Portugese conti circuit for a while. A strong climber and puncher, Joao will be another strong mountain domestique.
CHALAPUD GOMEZ Robinson Eduardo
08/03/1984
Robinson Chalapud joins the team to once again strengthen our climbing stocks. Yet to reach his full potential, we have the task of moulding him into the Colombian partner that Carlos Betancur needs.
COLEX TEPOZ Bernardo
03/07/1983
One of the weaker riders on the team, Colex will be a simple waterboy. He won't have a chance to lead, but may be a strong domestique in some races.
RABUÑAL RIOS Gonzalo
01/08/1984
Gonzalo is another climber for the stocks. An underrated climber, he will have a few chances to lead, but will be a water boy domestique most of the time. May ride La Vuelta.
ISIDORO Micael Duarte
12/08/1982
The worst rider on the team, and the final pick, Micael will only race a few races, and will do it as a pure domestique. He may join a break or two, but that's about his only chances to be in the spotlight.
