‘Coming full circle’ – Mikel Landa leaves Soudal-QuickStep and returns home to Euskaltel-Euskadi

After beginning his professional career in the famous orange kit in 2011, veteran Basque climber Mikel Landa will re-join ProTeam Euskaltel-Euskadi next season.

The 36-year-old has agreed a two-year contract to race with the team until at least the end of 2028. Landa originally raced with the team between 2011 and 2013 before stints with Astana, Team Sky, Movistar, Bahrain Victorious and finally Soudal-QuickStep.

The original Basque team folded at the end of 2013, being reborn as a professional outfit in 2020 under its original sponsors.

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“For me, rejoining Euskaltel-Euskadi, pulling on the orange jersey again, and reconnecting with [Fundación Euskadi] means coming full circle,” Landa said in a press release announcing his transfer.

“I turned professional thanks to this organisation, and returning here at this stage of my career is deeply meaningful to me personally. I arrive with great enthusiasm and a strong desire to contribute to the team’s sporting project. I feel I still have the strength and experience needed to achieve great results and give the fans something to cheer about.”

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“In the coming years, I will give my absolute best to repay the team as it deserves.”

Landa’s career achievements include two top-fives in the overall classification at the Tour de France, two podium placings at the Giro d’Italia, alongside three stage wins, and a stage win at the Vuelta a España in 2015.

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Throughout his career, Landa has been hailed as a fan favourite for his attacking riding style and often underestimated abilities, giving rise to the ‘Free Landa’ saying as he has often appeared capable of usurping his more favoured team leaders.

Euskaltel-Euskadi has also signed cyclocross star Felipe Orts for the 2027 campaign as well as riders from its development system, but Landa’s signature is a landmark move for the second-tier squad.

“In sporting terms, having Mikel Landa on the team takes us to a new level,” said Jorge Azana, Sport Director at Euskaltel-Euskadi.

“Having a team leader with his experience and ability to compete against the world’s best allows us to pursue top-tier goals with genuine ambition. Furthermore, his presence will serve as a guide for the young talents rising through our development ranks.”