andHigh quality climbers, Pelayo With its outstanding performance throughout the year, it caused a sensation in 2023.He made his debut in the top flight, scoring a solo victory at home to seal the final stage victory Returns to Asturias in Oviedo; He finished on the podium in the general category at the Grand Prix of Velas in Portugal; He performed well in the Vuelta a España: third place respectively (Guada Lama) and sixth place (Laguna Negrad de Vinueza), and very close to the popular stages of the Asturian mountain stages L’Angliru and La Cruz de Linares (14th).
The Asturias will race in Movista next year and he will be one of the big names at this weekend’s La La Madrid de Madrid. This was previously reported via Marca.
How do you rate this season?
very good. I’m very happy. It’s been a really good year both on a personal level and on a sporting level. I had a terrible time with mononucleosis last year and it was a very positive thing to be able to turn that around. I didn’t give up. I know 2022 is a big deal and takes you away from the things you love most (training and cycling), but the thought that I’m facing the year with the same enthusiasm has served me well. This mentality is key.
What are your expectations for the Madrid Circle?
I was there last year. I think it’s a very good test, especially for the public. It’s a small track and people can see us multiple times. I hope the weather is nice and we all enjoy it.
Have you ever attended one of these?
I didn’t attend, but I went to the one in Oviedo a few years ago. This is another way to get closer to your fans. It is very attractive to everyone.
But in the less competitive lap races, will they end up hurt?
It always stings a little bit. There is a whip that always leaves the taste of blood in your mouth.
The star will be Vanderpool, what are your thoughts on his season and the Big Six’s season?
He belongs to a range of cyclists who don’t fit into categories. They are phenomena. For me he is the best cyclist this year. He won the World Cup and had his best performances in the Classics with Roubaix, Sanremo and Flanders. It’s only going to get worse, improvement is already complicated… It’s a privilege for fans and other cyclists to be with him.
What is it about a guy like him that attracts your attention the most?
These great champions always leave it all behind. They always had that special something about them, but they were flesh and blood.
You left BH Burgos after a wonderful choral year. How would you rate your performance?
It was a very positive season with seven wins from seven different drivers. It’s also a positive and showcases the great neighborhoods we have. I won’t be with them in 2024, but I wish them all the best.
You will join Movistar in 2024. How is your signing going?
It was a really good opportunity for me to jump into the World Tour. I’m really looking forward to the wait. For the Spaniard, being a home team player is special. It’s certainly a privilege. I want to repay everyone’s trust.
These days you come to the first gathering place of the team in Golez, what impressions do you have?
Currently I am getting to know my colleagues and staff. Everything is new to me. I want to adapt to this team and do my best.
You almost won at La Huerta, was that a turning point?
The win in Asturias had a big emotional component for me. It was a very good win for me, but at La Huerta I made a small leap in quality and I hope to build on that.
What type of runner is he? Will we see him fight in a big tournament?
I still have a long way to go. I have to continue to find my place in the middle or high mountains. I have to see if I have that consistency, if I’m good at everything. Only in this way can you become a great general. I really like partial wins. Let’s see how far these legs can go.
Spain has yet to finish on the podium for any major team, how is our cycling?
There was a generation of very good cyclists. Ayuso, Carlos, Oyle… they had a great year. Then there is Pelo Bilbao who also performed very well. Maybe no madmen, but the health of Spanish cycling is good.