That elevation enabled them to qualify for last year's Tour de France where they surprised many with a series of compelling rides.

Perhaps the most prolific performance came from Roberto Laiseka who won the last stage in the Pyrenees, much to the delight of the Basque crowds lining the roads.

Laiseka's victory and a series of strong performances in the mountains took him to 28th overall.

But he was upstaged in the final standings by Inigo Chaurreau who finished an impressive 12th but has since left the team.

The team is jointly sponsored by the Basque government and a Basque telecommunications company.

A series of big-name riders have passed through their ranks, among them ONCE rider Joseba Beloki.

Davide Extebarria, who joined the team following the mass clearout at ONCE, will remain the team leader again this time around.