This story was originally published in Spanish at Volata
In the last few weeks we’ve spotted former professional cyclist Joane Somarriba at several competitions of the women’s calendar, including the Vuelta Femenina, where she was guest of honour on the sixth stage between Castro-Urdiales and Laredo. She also accompanied the Laboral Kutxa women’s team in the Itzulia Women and the Durango Classic. Undoubtedly, Somarriba’s presence was comforting for the world of women’s cycling, after a few years away from it publicly, as her figure linked the promising present of women’s cycling with the impressive palmarès of a pioneer.
This occasional presence at races has now materialised in the form of her active return to competitive cycling. As announced by the Euskadi Foundation, Somarriba will be the new ambassador of the Laboral Kutxa women’s cycling team for the 2023 and 2024 seasons. The Basque cyclist, winner of three editions of the Tour de France, two editions of the Giro d’Italia and time trial world champion, will join the team as an advisor to contribute her experience and values to help the women’s team grow and compete at the top level of cycling.
From now on, she will act as the team’s ambassador in the sporting, promotional and commercial fields. According to sources from the team, she will form part of the staff within the organisation as a direct advisor to Ion Lazkano, the team’s sports director, who will continue to be in charge of the sporting sphere. The aim is for Somarriba to share and contribute her experience, values and knowledge with the team and the riders who, due to their age, were unable to see her when he was racing.
“The long-term commitment of Laboral Kutxa to women’s cycling is exciting,” says Joane Somarriba. “I have been particularly struck by the team behind the riders and the passion of those who are part of the Laboral Kutxa-Fundación Euskadi project. The cyclists have a great opportunity to be professionals, they have all the means and an extraordinary staff to give one hundred percent and perform. They lack nothing to be cyclists. Everything helps them to grow and that’s why the team has taken a leap forward, has evolved and improved its performance. Incidentally, the team has become a point of reference for all the female cyclists of all categories who are dedicated or want to dedicate themselves to this.”
With this step, Laboral Kutxa continues to grow in sporting terms and not lose sight of…