Rui Costa will lead Lampre-Merida in the World Tour event of Vuelta al Pais Vasco (7-12 April).

The Portuguese rider, who has just performed an altitude training period, will have the opportunity to improve his fit in view of Ardennes classics, but of course he won't miss the chance to get eventual satisfaction in Spain.

Together with Rui Costa there will be a top rider such Damiano Cunego, very competitive climbers such Serpa, Durasek and Polanc, the reliable Portuguese Oliveira and Chinese Xu Gang, who showed an interesting performance in Coppi e Bartali that granted him a place in the selection for Vuelta al Pais Vasco, first World Tour race in his career.

Blue-fuchsia-green team will be directed by the duo Matxin-Vicino, who'll receive the support by masseurs Chiodini, Leboso and Napolitano, by mechanics Pengo and Romanò, by doctor Beltemacchi and press officer Carlo Saronni.

"The selection for Vuelta al Pais Vasco is very competitive: it's a World Tour appointment and this means that it will be important to score some points, not forgetting that this race is also an interesting passage towards Ardenne classics - team manager Copeland explained - Rui Costa has shown in the first part of the season that he always approach the races with a competitive spirit, this is very good for the team, that will also rely on Cunego, who's in good condition and is willing to repeat the amazing performances he realized in Vuelta al Pais Vasco in the past."

"It will be interesting also to check the form of those riders that raced the demanding Volta a Catalunya and to admire the debut of Xu Gang in a World Tour event: he'll be the first Chinese cyclist to race with a World Champion as team mates".