After Iban Mayo lost seven minutes to the GC favourites on the second stage, Euskaltel-Euskadi will now base its classification hopes on Aitor Gonzalez, winner of the Vuelta in 2002. After Stage 4 yesterday, Euskaltel team manager Julian Gorospe told TVE that he has a lot of confidence in Aitor Gonzalez's condition, and believe that he can obtain some good results in the Vuelta. "He's in good shape, with good morale, appetite, and concentration. I hope that the team will be able to support him to get a good result."
Gorospe explained that Iban Mayo is still having small problems, but that he is getting better every day and hopes that he will find his form once the race reaches the mountains. Iban Mayo himself said that he has been suffering in the early stages, but hopes to play a supporters role for Aitor in the coming weeks.
