Jon Izagirre makes his Grand Tour debut with a stage win at the Giro d’Italia 2012
Jon Izagirre of Team Euskaltel-Euskadi is making his Grand Tour debut at the 2012 version of the Giro d’Italia 2012.
The cyclist started his professional career with Team Orbea in 2010 and spent a period of two years with the side.
He penned a deal with Team Euskaltel-Euskadi in 2011 and is continuing his second consecutive season with the side.
The cyclist registered his first win of the season with a stage 1 victory at the Vuelta a Asturias.
He rode brilliantly during the stage 2b of the race which boosted his confidence for the coming races of the season.
Izagirre was exceptional during the stage 16 of the Italian Grand Tour and overcame the race favourites.
He crossed the finish line in a fastest time of 4 hours and 2 minutes and occupied the top podium spot.
Alessandro De Marchi of Team Androni Giocattoli finished 16 seconds behind at the second position while Stef Clement of Team Rabobank and Mathias Frank of Team BMC achieved the third and the fourth positions.
The cyclist was happy to bag a stage during his debut appearance at the Giro d’Italia, "This is a great victory," he noted.
"I had one pro win before [the time trial at the Vuelta Asturias this year] but I never imposed myself at such a high level of cycling. This one is of a great importance”.
"Today we knew that the breakaway could work but at the end I had to battle against strong climbers like José Herrada and Mathias Frank but I attacked and finished solo”.
“To be able to win during the third week of a Grand Tour is also very meaningful about my capacities".
Team Euskaltel-Euskadi is having a dry season and has not performed to its potential.
Samuel Sanchez is the only other rider who helped the team with three victories in the season.
The Spanish team has lost its main sponsor and its future is not certain for the coming seasons.
Jon’s performance might not help the team in retaining the existing sponsor but will definitely make a huge impression on his own resume.
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