Caja Rural - Seguros RGA is excited to announce that Jon Irisarri, Josu Zabala and Iker Azkárate will join the team as stagiaires for the remaining part of the 2016 season. All three riders hail from the youth development team where they have each stood out thanks to some impressive performances.

Irisarri was already announced last month when he signed a two-year contract to turn professional with Caja Rural - Seguros RGA next year. The 20-year-old Spaniard was one of the revelations on the national scene this season, winning numerous races and most recently taking silver medal in the Spanish U23 national championships. Irisarri will make his debut with the team in Prudential Ride London on the 31st of July.

Zabala, 23, has proven his climbing abilities throughout the season with several good performances in prominent races. He will join the team for Volta a Portugal, taking place from the 27th of July to the 7th of August. 22-year-old Azkárate is a strong all-rounder. This year, he won the Basque championships and Memorial Sabin Foruria. Like Irisarri, Azkárate will make his debut for Caja Rural - Seguros RGA in Prudential Ride London.

“To be able to take part in Volta a Portugal with this team is a big opportunity for me. I’m very eager to get started and see the level in these kinds of races. I know I will be suffering a lot but I’m ready to do whatever the team tells me to. If possible, I’ll try to show myself by entering a break or something like that,” Josu Zabala said.

“I started out this season very late due to an injury. Therefore, I haven’t really performed as well as I hoped to do, or at least as well as I know I can do. Still, I have had some good months and now I’m very excited to join the team as stagiaire. I want to take advantage of this opportunity and continue to work hard because I know this doesn’t mean I will turn professional next year, even though that is the goal,” Iker Azkárate said.