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Sunday, August 17, 2008 Zubeldia moves over to Astana by VeloNation Press at 7:12 PM EST   comments Categories: Pro Cycling   Haimar Zubeldia has signed a two-year contract to race with Johan Bruyneel's Astana team. The 31 year-old from the Basque region of Spain is moving over from his home team of Euskaltel-Euskadi where he began his pro career. Zubeldia has proven his worth in the big stage races finishing top ten in the Tour de France on three occasions. The rider will play a supporting role for the team's triple threat of Alberto Contador, Levi Leipheimer and Andreas Klöden. That said, Bruyneel doesn't plan on holding the talented Basque back if opportunity should knock. “Haimar is a perfect addition for our team. He’s a good time-trialist, can climb very well and will be an excellent all-around teammate in the Grand Tours. A rider, like Haimar, who has finished in the top ten in numerous Grand Tours also has the ability to win some stages and races. He may be a veteran, but I think he has an exciting two years ahead of him with Team Astana.” Zubeldia is extremely happy with his new team. “Astana is the best stage racing team in the world. I’ve always admired Johan Bruyneel’s teams and to race for him and the best riders is a special honor. I am thankful for the past eleven years, but I’m also excited for the new opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.”       comments Follow @Pro_Cycling Tweet Subscribe via RSS or daily email Contact the editor about this article