Iban

If it were up to him, Iban would be sent away, along with his superstitious babble.

Caribou House « A Fly in Amber 2009

He was old – not so old as Iban the wizard, but still old.

Caribou House « A Fly in Amber 2009

Iban abruptly upended the bag, and the bones spilled onto the ground with a soft clatter.

Caribou House « A Fly in Amber 2009

He was surprised to find Iban staring at him with an uncomfortable intensity.

Caribou House « A Fly in Amber 2009

Iban Mayoz Echeverria, Footon-Servetto, with 4 points

Joaquim Rodriguez, Spain and Saxo Bank wrap up 2010 UCI World Ranking wins 2010

“She was chosen,” said Iban, crouched across the fire.

Caribou House « A Fly in Amber 2009

Iban Mayoz Echeverria, Footon-Servetto, with 4 points

Final 2010 UCI World Rankings, updated October 18, 2010 2010

More recently the mercurial Spanish climber Iban Mayo came into the 2004 Tour de France having just inflicted a devastating defeat of Lance Armstrong at the Dauphiné Libéré, beating the Texan by more than two minutes on a time trial to the top of Mont Ventoux.

Tour de France 2010: Riders prepare for the bump and grind of the pavé Tim Lewis in Spa 2010

Last year, the pre-race favorite Alexandre Vinokourov of Kazakhstan tested positive for blood doping, Italian rider Cristian Moreni tested positive for testosterone, Iban Mayo of Spain was busted for using EPO, and race leader Michael Rasmussen was kicked out just days before the end for lying about his whereabouts to avoid pre-Tour doping tests.

Arvesen wins stage marred by second doping bust 2008

I've heard it in Dahomey, when the Amazons were after us, and in South American backwaters, and on a night on the Papar River in Borneo when the Iban head-hunters took the warpath - the muted rumble of doom that conjures up spectres with painted faces creeping towards you through the dark.

Fiancée 2010