Team: Euskaltel-Euskadi
Team: Euskaltel-Euskadi
Bikes: Orbea Orca; Ordu time trial
Info: Look for Euskaltel's riders to shine in the mountains, particularly the Pyrenees, where Olympic champion Samuel Sanchez and his teammates will ride hard in honor of the Basque homeland that also produces their Orbea bicycles. Although boasting a heritage as deep as Bianchi or other iconic brands, Orbea is only widely available in the U.S. the past five years. For the Tour, Euskaltel riders will be aboard the redesigned Orca, which will be introduced for the 2010 model year and feature a BB30 oversize integrated bottom bracket and a steerer tube with an oversize 1 1/2-inch lower bearing.
Specs: Shimano Dura-Ace drivetrain, brakes and wheels; FSA handlebar and stem; Vittoria tires; Selle Italia saddle
Team web site: fundacioneuskadi.com