For at least the next two seasons, two of the Caja Rural-Seguros RGA squad's current heavyweights will continue to wear the green shirt. Jefferson Cepeda of Ecuador and Iúri Leitão of Portugal signed this contract after demonstrating their growth over the last year, making them two riders to watch in their respective domains the Spanish team's official website states.

The Spanish squad from the second division of the international cycling scene says, “Leitão, who was crowned world omnium champion in Glasgow last August, will face one of the greatest challenges of his career in Paris, a vitally important goal for both him and his country at the Olympic Games.”

In addition to earning medals on the track, which has fueled hopes of being the first rider to qualify for the men's team in that specialty for Paris2024, the Portuguese rider has established himself on the road this season, as highlighted by Caja Rural.

“The Portuguese rider, perfectly adapted to the Spanish team, has had a more than remarkable campaign on the road, winning a stage and the overall in the Tour of Greece and the sprint in the CRO Race, three of Caja Rural's biggest triumphs of the season,” according to the Spanish team.

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A passionate Irish journalist with a love for cycling, politics and of course Portugal especially their sausage rolls.

Rory Mc Ginn