Karpin-Galicia eyes Pereiro

By Iker Rioja

The government of Galicia (co-sponsor of the Karpin-Galicia team) wants a well-known leader for its team, and wants it now. They are looking for a wildcard for the 2008 Tour de France. When its project kicked off last year all eyes were set on Oscar Pereiro, the local idol, but he politely turned down the offer but they are knocking at his door one year later according to an article in Spanish newspaper Marca.

Alvaro Pino's squad is asking again although the 30 year-old rider seems to be near a contract renewal with current team Caisse d'Epargne, with which he has been negotiating since the end of the Tour de France. Pereiro reckons that his present team offers him the stability that his career requires, while the pressure of the riding for his home team will be huge.

The rider from Mos has ridden four editions of the Tour de France, having finished all of them in the top ten.