With the emergence of the first rumors that Euskaltel will be folded at the end of the season, it seemed very likely that team’s  greatest stars will be attractive bites on the transfer market. The reality proved to be different, not without relation to the confusion caused by broken negotiations between Euskaltel - Euskadi and F1 driver Fernando Alonso, what have left many esteemed riders - including Igor Anton – without a contract for the season 2014.

After the announcement of the closure of the Basque team, the future of Igor Anton quickly began to be linked with Omega Pharma - Quick Step, where his exceptional climbing skills would serve Rigoberto Uran in the fight for the grand tours’ general classification. It seemed as reasonable move from Patrick Lefevre in his attempts to build a more versatile squad, as from the Basque, who likely wouldn’t be left without chances of occasional taking over the leading role.

In view of the an early agreement established between Alonso and Euskaltel, Igor Anton - having the promise of becoming one of the pillars of the newly formed team – has decided to suspend talks with OPQS or other World Tour outfits. And no wonder that he was tempted: the prospect of maintaining his high position had to present more attractive than being downgraded to a lieutanant  role, even if a luxury one. Unfortunately, in a short time it became clear that the final agreement has not happened, and it was sufficient for the situation on a transfer market  to have undergone irreversible changes. Anton admitted that the confusion in which he has found himself is very troublesome, however, was the result of wrong decisions taken at the wrong time.

“As things stand I’ve got nothing, or at least nothing concrete," he said.

“I’ve never experienced anything like this before. Both time and the decisions that have been taken have gone against me. The more time goes by, the more nervous you become."

Predispositions of Igor Anton do not raise any doubts. He has repeatedly impressed with aggressive rides on the toughest mountain stages -  victory taken on the Monte Zoncolan and winning la Vuelta’s general classification missed only as a result of a crash should speak for themselves. Unfortunately, the results of the last two seasons has not reflected the real potential of the Basque, which directly translates into a modest amount of points to be shared with a new team.

The rider is aware that his situation is complicated by the practice of postponing the negotiation at the last minute, to sign contracts on an extremely favorable conditions with pressed against the wall professionals, which is widely used by top teams.

“The teams keep a place or two spare to take advantage and some are now picking up good riders at very reduced rates,” he explained.

The described practice, perhaps not without reason, affected Thomas de Gent who, along with Jan Bakelants was to take last free places in the Omega Pharma - Quick Step roster for an upcoming season. The case might not be certain, because, as was reported on cyclingquotes.com, in mid-October a meeting between Patrick Lefevre and Igor Anton’s manager took place, but until now there is no information about a possible agreement.

Latest information link Euskaltel rider with the new team Wanty, whose leader would be also remaining without the contract Anton’s team mate Samuel Sanchez. There are still four places to be filled for a final Wanty’s 2014 roster, but the possibility of signing contracts with the Basques, and probably also with Kevin Seeldraeyers,  remains a question of acquiring more funds to its budget.