Goodbye Lizarti, hello Vanisher

It was not a typical show, but an exercise in memory, gratitude, with a touch of nostalgia, plenty of affection for Lizart and an enthusiastic look into the future. In the end, there have been 17 seasons of Lesarte’s existence in the amateur peloton, a time in which more than 250 races have been won and more than forty riders have opened the door to the professional peloton.

There was talk Emotional farewell to Oscar Huarte, owner of Lizarte. There was a public and frank acknowledgment of those who have always been there for the last 17 years, in an anonymous and quiet way: Alvaro Armendez and Javier Garayoa … Also a memory of those who were and are. Even the direct contact with Costa Rica, where Andre Amador – today one of the Education First riders – speaks of affection.

Oscar Huarte, who was seen very emotional during the presentation, wished: “I hope that what we have known as the spirit of Lizarte will have its continuity in this new phase with Finisher, I’m sure of it.”

Quarry, quarry and quarry

What both Manolo Azcona and Juanjo Oroz insisted on was preserving the profession in which their intention was born. Being a youth team, a stepping stone to professionalism, a shuttle. In this sense, nothing will change in the near future.

“If we have 30 road laps, it’s a sign that we’re doing things well, so we’ll try to continue on this path,” Manolo Azcona commented yesterday, sometimes overwhelmed with emotion.

52% of the riders are new amateurs to the team, and eight cyclists are from Navarra, which is 38% of the total. But not to lose sight of all because there is a British Finisher in it, Dylan Westley. Costa Rican, Dylan Roberto Jimenez (recommended by Andre Amador), Taiwanese Hu Yin Yi (the team carries the Taiwanese giant brand) and Dutchman Jan Dorenbos. The Dutch rider came to the test in three races in Spain last season and won two. Between them, Azanza and Aznar will carry a large portion of the team’s weight.

Finisher will focus above all on the amateur national calendar (Basque-Navarrese, Spanish Cup and Periods), but without losing the opportunity to prove himself outside our borders in the Giro d’Aosta (July) and the Ronde del Izard, in September. The start will be on February 26th in Zumaco, as usual.