In addition to our army of VeloEyes bringing us images of the races and riders we love, we’re not averse to getting in the mix ourselves and getting our own personal shots of our favourite races. Here Sheree has collated her pictures from last night’s Vuelta team presentations. Enjoy!
Yesterday’s evening’s Vuelta a España team presentation kicked off in sweltering temperatures in the very heart of Pamplona, the Plaza del Castillo, used as a bull-fighting ring until a permanent venue was built in 1844. The only stampede yesterday was for the seats in front of the stage. Not everyone looked hot and bothered, Navarra and Spain’s favourite sporting icon, Miguel Indurain, gave us his thoughts on this year’s Vuelta, looking as cool as a cucumber, in a jacket!
The team presentation was a bit parochial. Not Spanish, no Spanish riders, no contenders then you just entered left, waved briefly and exited right. To be fair the commentators had to respond to the dicatates of an hour-long programme on Spanish television, plus squeeze in highlights from last year’s Vuelta, a quick run-down of this year’s stages and a travel promo for Navarra.
First up: local boys Caja Rural
It’s the Argonauts
More blinding white kits with the boys from FDJ
Now it’s the hot pink of Lampre
RadioShack read our team review and have wisely made Maxime Monfort (left) their lead rider
OPQS’ Tony Martin (left) hoping for better luck in the Vuelta
Orica-GreenEDGE’s Daniel Teklehaimanot didn’t seem to mind the heat either!
Euskaltel’s Igor Anton, a firm favourite with the fans
Cheers too for cheeky Catalan chappie Joaquim ‘Purito’ Rodriguez
It’s the boys from BMC who have PhilGil (far left) as their lead rider!
Newly shorn Christophe Le Mevel looking Garmin-Sharp and ready to do battle
Cofidis’ man for the mountains David Moncoutie
Will Sky’s Chris Froome (far left) really challenge?
Saxo Bank’s Alberto Contador (left) happy to be back in the saddle
The biggest cheers of the evening were reserved for Alberto Contador who reiterated his pitch-perfect PR press conference from earlier in the day where he downplayed his chances and talked up everyone else’s. He said he’d been scarred by the events of the past two years but had emerged mentally stronger. He also paid tribute to the support of fans, family and friends and said how much he was looking forward to the start in Navarro.
Last up was defending champion Juan Jose Cobo, now riding for Navarran-based Movistar. He’ll be well-supported by Alejandro Valverde, two Basques and, this year’s must-have accessory, a Colombian in the form of Nairo Quintano.
Local boys Movistar with defending champion Cobo (far left)
We’ll be back in the Plaza del Castillo this evening for the team time trial.
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