We start our team interviews with Spanish Mountains leader Rafael Valls. Last season wasn't a great one for the team and some placed part of that on your performances, what are your thoughts on last season?
Obviously finishing 5th from the bottom in the PCT last season was disappointing for me coming from a PT team who competed well at the top level. Never the less, I think that both myself and the rest of the team have learnt a few lessons and this is a position we hope not to be in again this season.
During the transfer season, not one rider left the team but 8 riders were brought in. Do you think this will strengthen the team not only results wise but is the team closer now than last season?
It was interesting from my perspective to see what the management did in the transfer window, I personally believe that they have done a good job bringing in riders for other terrains. I am very happy as I have not lost many of my close friends from last year and so I think we will only continue to compliment each others strengths and weaknesses.
Out of the 7 signings during the transfer window, there was only 1 Spanish rider with the other 6 being from France, Belgium, Moldova and Italy. Do you think this will have any impact on the team?
The Euskaltel team has been known in the past to focus a lot on the mountains and on Spanish riders. Personally I think that the management have made a good decision to focus on many terrains. We have a world class time trialist in Cornu, a great puncheur in Caruso and a great sprinter in Bouhanni. The fact that these 3 guys aren't Spanish doesn't change the team at all. We welcome riders from all nationalities and all our signings strengthen the team in some way. I mean, we race all around the world so why not have riders from around the world as well.
There were rumours and stories coming out of Spain that you were going to leave if a 'better' rider could be brought in during the off season, was there ever a time during the transfer window when you weren't sure where you would end up?
The transfer season these days is a crazy one, I remember a couple seasons back there were less teams and there was relative peace but now a days it is frantic the whole way through. Team transfer plans tend to change a lot during the short time period and I don't think any rider can say 100% at the start of the window that they'll still be there at the end. I have been given an opportunity to lead the team once again and I hope I can prove that I have what it takes to compete against the best.
It was notable during the transfer season that very strong riders such as Denifl, Machado, Amador, Dekker, Úran and many more have all made the move to the PCT. This will obviously make life much more difficult for you as Euskaltel failed to sign any climbers during the transfer window. Do you feel that combined this will impact significantly on your success this season?
It was certainly a shock to see the quality of some of the riders who have been brought down to the PCT for this upcoming season. There are 24 guys 'better' at climbing than me in the PCT and only 26 if I was in the PT so the strength and depth in the division this year is world class. But I think that Ruben Fernandez re-joining the team after some PT experience will certainly strengthen us a bit. Obviously it will be more difficult for my this season but I do have more race days than most there guys so hopefully I will still be able to do my job for the team.
That's all we have time for today, do you have any last words for the fans of Euskaltel?
We have the best fans in the cycling world. Last season we weren't very good but our fans followed us everywhere. So I would like to thank you and I know you'll be the same this season. I hope I can deliver for you all and do you proud this season. I look forward to seeing you out on the road!
matt17br wrote:
Great transfers you had there, all smart additions except maybe Roy, who could have been replaced with some similarly priced better hilly leader.
Caruso will be very good for you and so will be Cornu, definitely not risking relegation as you did last season imo.
lmao, Roy was a free agent who came in at 60k wages. there litterally isn't a similarly priced better hilly leader
great transfers for you LLsnachez, i think you'll have a great season!
matt17br wrote:
Great transfers you had there, all smart additions except maybe Roy, who could have been replaced with some similarly priced better hilly leader.
Caruso will be very good for you and so will be Cornu, definitely not risking relegation as you did last season imo.
lmao, Roy was a free agent who came in at 60k wages. there litterally isn't a similarly priced better hilly leader
great transfers for you LLsnachez, i think you'll have a great season!
A 74/75 hill guy for 50k wage would be a better leader than Roy.
Well he's a good risk for 60k anyway, because not much can go wrong if he underperforms again. and your other transfers look quite nice, so good luck LLS.
matt17br wrote:
Great transfers you had there, all smart additions except maybe Roy, who could have been replaced with some similarly priced better hilly leader.
Caruso will be very good for you and so will be Cornu, definitely not risking relegation as you did last season imo.
lmao, Roy was a free agent who came in at 60k wages. there litterally isn't a similarly priced better hilly leader
great transfers for you LLsnachez, i think you'll have a great season!
No, it's just that Roy is not really 78 Hill in game, and he proved that last year, just try to ask the rider and I'm sure he'll happily provide an explanation.
The reason why I think Roy is wasted money is that he'll be considered hilly leader by pcm whenever Caruso is not there with him, and may still not score anything/keep his teammates from doing anything.
Quite a few critics have been questioning your 60,000 wage and wondering why Euskaltel have given you a chance due to previous seasons. Are you thankful that you have been given another opportunity at PCT level?
I have noticed that some managers of other teams have been saying a few things about me. I do have a low wage but I am more than happy with it and the faith that the team management have put into me is something I am grateful for. However, I do feel like I belong in the PCT and I shall show that in the season to come.
The managers of Generali and Netia-Norske have made particular comments about your ability at this level. Is there anything you would like to say to these particular managers?
I did not perform to my own standards last season but there is no reason why I can't do better this season. I have my own opinions about the two teams in question but I will keep those to myself. The only thing I have to say to them will be at the end of the season when we see where we all end up.
The belief amongst the fans is that you will have a role as a secondary leader behind Damiano Caruso. What are your thoughts on the Italian?
He is getting paid good money and for a good reason. He has proven himself at the highest level of world cycling and last year supported the brilliant Ponzi. I expected to be helping him this season and my main job is to support Caruso as he looks for the big results. I think our partnership will thrive as we get to know each other really well on the roads and in training camps.
The Euskaltel team has 6 other French riders in the squad with De Souza being one of those in the Puncheur team. Do you feel like this will have a significant impact on your results and your performances this season?
Riding alongside a bunch of riders of your nationality is always a big plus, many of the guys I have trained with and spent time with before, especially Bonnet who I rode alongside when we were both younger. The Puncheur team is a mix of nationalities but it is a team which I believe I will thrive in.
Are there any particular riders or teams that the team will be looking out for in the Hilly races this season?
I don't think it is really possible to pick out a couple of teams because there are more than a handful of teams with multiple riders capable of winning individually or in a team effort. The race for the finish line will be tightly contested in all the hilly races this season but I think you can expect a few surprises here and there. We will be riding our own races and hope to be a team that others will have to keep an eye on.
And finally, do you have any last words for those fans and critics out there?
To my fans, thank you for supporting me over my journey so far and I look forward to doing you proud and seeing you out there supporting Euskaltel! To my critics, wait and see and judge later.
I like Roy as a value pick up. Sure he disappointed big time last season and declined a bit but in the worst case he will be a solid domestique for Caruso. Considering that many other PCT teams have domestique with 70-73 HI the extra 10k wage are well invested into someone like him.
Add him as an option for some classics / stage races where you would be without a leader otherwise and let him grab maybe 100 or 120 points and he'd be a lot better than similar prized riders without any risk
Caruso finishing 2nd in the Giro di Lombardia in 2011
29 year old Damiano Caruso was the biggest Free Agent signing of the transfer window for the Euskaltel team. Damiano, how does it feel to be riding in the famous Orange jersey?
It is certainly a big change but it is one that I am looking forward to! The Euskaltel team is known throughout the cycling world and I am honoured to be able to be a part of the team and represent the proud fans that have supported this team for years.
You have spent many years riding for the very successful Good Energy team as a super domestique for Ponzi in the Pro Tour. Do you think you will be able to do the job as a leader now?
My time spent riding for Good Energy will be time that I will never forget. They helped me very much in my career and I achieved great things there and I am proud of what I managed to do last season supporting Ponzi. This step down to the PCT as a leader is an opportunity for me to lead a team and be the main man when it comes to the finish. This is an opportunity I am very happy to take.
The PCT is a strong division this year with very good Puncheurs. In your opinion, do you and the Euskaltel team have what it takes to perform against this strong opposition?
I don't see why we can't. I have gained great results in the past at the top level of world cycling and I have received tips and learnt lessons from Ponzi on how to win races on such terrain. The supporting riders in this team are more than capable of doing their job and I believe I will strive here.
Has it been easy coming from an Italian team to a team where you're the only Italian?
It's taken some getting used to but when we're out on the road there is nothing different. We spend so much time together that our cultures and languages are no longer a barrier and this is definitely no excuse for not very good performances. The change in scenery is actually a welcome one and it is always nice to be in different places with different people. We enjoy ourselves a lot in training and around the place and I hope this positive attitude is continued into the first races of the season.
How are you personally handling the pressure of being a leader and also being away from home and your family?
Pressure is something that doesn't get to me. I know that the team management and my team mates have confidence in my ability to perform and I have confidence in myself. Riding for an Italian team did mean that I got to spend a bit more time at home but I have been welcomed into this team and I feel like it is a family. The guys here all get along really well and keep an eye on one another which is something that should definitely help us out on the road.
It's been lovely having you, do you have any final words?
Thank you, it's been great being here and being able to introduce myself to the wonderful fans of Euskaltel. I hope I can do my best for the team and more importantly for all of the fans out there. If you see me out in public do feel free to ask for a photo and/or an autograph as the fans are what has kept me going over the years. Good luck to my fellow cyclists and I shall see you all on the road very soon!
The fast Frenchman leads the sprints for another season
Dominant win last season in Stage 1 of Tachira after a great lead out
Nacer, it's great to see you remain at Euskaltel for this season. You never thought of leaving the team during the transfer window?
It's good to be with the team again! I never thought of leaving this team. I had a great time riding last season despite my limited success. I have fans who need to see the best of what I have to offer.
The very first race day last season saw you take a dominant win but that wasn't seen through out the rest of the season. Surely you have bigger ambitions this season?
It was a great start to the season but admittedly the train struggled during the season. It is something which I think we have managed to fix during the off season and it shall be tested again soon.
The one rider to join the sprint train is Syrian Nazir Jaser, do you feel he will be able to support you this season?
Having spent last season out on loan in the PT, he will bring much needed experience to the train which was missing last year. I believe he is a more than capable rider and he will be an important part of my success this season.
Are there any other riders who have joined the team who you may benefit from?
There are a few of them. Bret is a fellow French rider and also good against the clock so I believe he will help the train and the chasing on the flat stages. Another big rider is Cornu who is one of the best time trial riders in the division. He will focus on the GC in flat stage races with a TT while I can focus on delivering stage wins which is my job as a sprinter. The ageing Bonnet will not be able to support as much as he did last season so these two are great signings in my opinion.
The division this year has strengthened in regards to sprinters. Do you feel like you will be able to improve on last year despite the stronger competition?
The sprints these days are not always won by the best riders in terms of pure power and speed. Every single day, riders may feel stronger or weaker so form does play a huge part in how the race will pan out. The sprint trains of various teams also play an important role as they look to move their rider to the front of the peloton. There are many riders in this division who can win a sprint but I feel like the experience of our riders and the bonds in the sprint train will bring us a lot of success this season.
The team finished in the bottom 5 of the PCT last season but were thrown a life line. Do the riders realise this and know they'll have to improve this season?
Every season there is a lot of room for improvement. Last season wasn't a great one for the team and we all know that and we definitely don't want to be in the same position again. The quality that we have this year should ensure that we stay away from the relegation zone but it is our determination this season which I think will make the difference.
One last question, this one from a long time fan over in Australia who was very eager to have this read out. "I have followed your journey for many years and it is one that continues to amaze me. You're my favourite cyclist and good luck this season. I take this opportunity to ask, will you be coming to the wonderful Australia any time soon and if so, can I please come and meet you?"
I must say that I do appreciate the support, it is messages like these that encourage me to keep racing and it is also cool to know I have fans on the other side of the world. Funny thing is, my first race of the season will be in Australia so I'll see what I can do while I'm there, given I have a month between races.
I'm sure he'll be happy to hear that! We appreciate your time this close to the start of the season and we wish you all the best.
I certainly hope so. And thank you very much, hopefully I can perform to my best. I'll be optimistic and say I'll see you on the podium soon!
The one day classic will see Nacer Bouhanni as our team leader. There are a few 'hills' which may be a problem but we hope he survives and puts in a good sprint at the finish. Would like to see one of our riders in the break of the day.
A race where our team has done relatively well in the past. It will be the first test of the season for our top climbers. Rafael Valls will be leading us here but he will need all the support in what is bound to be a race showcasing some of the best Climbers and Stage Racers in the professional peloton. We do have a win goal in this race which is quite optimistic but Valls is capable of anything!
A race where we believe Damiano Caruso will excel with the support he has. After a relatively strong performance in his first race for us, he will be hoping to do even better here in Argentina. It is a race where we found success in the CT so we hope to replicate that success in the PCT.
The team is looking forward to their first ever trip to New Zealand. They will be riding in the small town of Gisborne in a very scenic region of the world. Caruso will be leading this team in the first of many hilly classics this season so we have high hopes for a good result and good start to our Puncheur Classic campaign. It would also be cool to see one of our riders in the breakaway.
and your other transfers look quite nice, so good luck LLS. 
The Italian looking to make his mark on the PCT 
The fast Frenchman leads the sprints for another season 
Berner Rundfahrt 
Tour of Eritrea 
Tour de San Luis 
Gisborne GP 
