Illes Balears had a reasonably good 2005 season with Karpets in the Giro, and ‘elasticman’ Mancebo in both Tour the France and Vuelta a España. Valverde’s knee injury came as a blow for the team and rider, just after the big win in the stage where he beat Lance Armstrong on the finishline. Also, sprinter Galvez had some involuntary meetings with the tarmac, which probably cost him a few very good placings in the various results. Reynes had a good pre-season but failed to put his foot down during. All ‘n all, no great victory for the team.


This former Banesto team will want to do better i...