By Monika Prell
Saunier Duval signed its final rider Josep Jufré with a two-year contract. The team closed its squad with the signing of the rider from Predictor Lotto, while awaiting a final decision in the case of Iban Mayo. Jufré's soon to be former team-mate Cadel Evans (Predictor-Lotto) will likely miss him. Evans previously called Jufré "one of the best team-mates" he has ever had.
Team Manager Mauro Gianetti and Coach Joxean Fernández Matxin will lead the 26-rider team. The 19 riders continuing on the team include Riccardo Riccò, José Ángel Gómez Marchante, Leonardo Piepoli, Juan José Cobo, David De la Fuente, Manuele Mori, Jesús Del Nero, David Cañada, Iker Camaño, Rubens Bertogliati, Raivis Belohvosciks, Luciano Pagliarini, Javier Benítez, Rubén Lobato, Ángel Gómez, Alberto Fernández de la Puebla, Javier Megías, Arkaitz Durán and Raul Alarcón.
Seven riders will be new to the Cantabrian team: Josep Jufré (Predictor-Lotto), Aurélien Passeron (Acqua/Sapone), Denis Flahaut (Jartazi), Eros Capecchi (Liquigas), Beñat Intxausti (Nicolás Mateos), Ermanno Capelli (Unidelta Aficionado) and Héctor González (Saunier Duval aficionado).
Gilberto Simoni, David Millar, Koldo Gil, Francisco Ventoso, Christophe Rinero, Guido Trentin, Remmert Wielinga, Piotr Mazur and Manuel Zárate are among those departing the team for 2008.
