Mikel Landa is returning to the Euskaltel-Euskadi structure, signing a two-year contract that brings the Basque climbing specialist back to the team where he launched his professional career. The transfer, announced by the team, secures Landa’s services through the upcoming cycling seasons as he enters the veteran phase of his career.
A Professional Homecoming in Vitoria-Gasteiz
For Landa, the move back to the iconic orange jersey represents a full-circle moment in a career that has spanned more than a decade at the highest levels of the UCI WorldTour. The climber from Murgia, Álava, started his professional trajectory within the foundational Basque setup before moving on to major international squads including Astana, Team Sky, Movistar Team, Bahrain Victorious, and Soudal Quick-Step.
Reflecting on the transition, Landa noted that returning to the squad in his athletic maturity carries deep personal significance. Having learned his trade on the regional circuit before taking on Grand Tours, the Basque rider aims to provide leadership and tactical depth to a roster working to reestablish its footprint on the international calendar.
Roster Strategy and Calendar Integration
The addition of Landa provides Euskaltel-Euskadi with a proven stage-racer and Grand Tour contender who can anchor the team’s ambitions in hilly and mountainous terrain. Team management views the signing as a cornerstone for their developmental and competitive goals, offering younger riders an experienced mentor while bolstering their UCI ranking points through high-level stage races.
As the team finalizes its race program for the coming season, Landa’s early-season schedule is expected to feature key Spanish spring races and preparation blocks leading into the summer Grand Tour calendar. Fans of the historic Basque outfit will see Landa back in team colors when the European racing calendar gets underway.
