His smartest race yet!

- Roberto Velásquez' coach 08/09/2012

We did it!

- Roberto Velásquez 09/09/2012 -

Ian Butler: Roberto Velásquez, first of all, thanks for being with us today.

Roberto Velásquez: Thank you for making time to welcome me.

Ian Butler: It's been a few days since your overall victory at the Vuelta à España. Tell me, has it sunk in yet?

Roberto Velásquez: Well, it's starting to, yet I'm afraid it never really will. It's all been like a strange dream, all of it. I prepared well for it and expected a good race, but this? Never.

Ian Butler: You stunned the world by taking on talents like Contador, Rodriguez, Wiggins...

Roberto Velásquez: I hear that a lot, but I keep saying: they weren't in their best form. Anyway, I thought it was a great battle and I really enjoyed it. It was my first Grand Tour and it was extremely hard, but immensely satisfying at the same time.

Ian Butler: You wrote history, by taking 4 jerseys. You really left no crumbs for the competition, did you?

Roberto Velásquez: I just gave everything I can. I was very lucky at times, like that really off-day from Contador. I hadn't won the Vuelta if it weren't for days like those.

Ian Butler: How's your relationship with your coach? We heard it has been a mixed story so far, since you joined the team.

Roberto Velásquez: There were some misunderstandings at first, that's true. I'm still not very used to riding in a professional peloton. I'm still learning all the rules. But winning that Vuelta, it made the whole team shine, coaches, riders, technicians...

Ian Butler: Your effort will most likely guarantee the team a place in the Pro Tour. Does the team have plans for promotion?

Roberto Velásquez: You should better ask the management that, but I think they are. We've been attracting some young talent but also some Spanish riders like Nieve. I think we're ready. Of course, for me it would mean a lot, I could enter a lot of races I'd like to ride.

Ian Butler: Tour de France?

Roberto Velásquez: It's best if I don't answer that right now. (smiles)

Ian Butler: Speaking of which, say the team reaches Pro Tour level, what races do you ride? I imagine a lot of race organizers would like to have you at their race. After all, you're a new-found celebrity at the moment.

Roberto Velásquez: That's all flash, of course. I hope establish my fame by keep performing at top level. But to answer your question, I'd like to return to the Vuelta, it's been very kind to me. I'd also love to ride the hilly classics, and the Tour Down Under. But of course, that's all speculation. First we need that promotion, then I need to sit down with the management and the coach(es).

Ian Butler: Can you tell our readers something about your personal life?

Roberto Velásquez: Listen, Ian, is it? I'll make you a deal

Ian Butler: I'm listening.

Roberto Velásquez: You never ask me about my private life, and I guarantee you an exclusive interview if I ever win Tour De France.

Ian Butler: That's a deal! Permit me one last question: you sound very ambitious.

Roberto Velásquez: I'm sorry, is that the question? (laughs) Well, I guess I am. I'm out for all I can take, and I'll do everything in my power to reach my goals. I hope I can still progress and become an even better rider.

Ian Butler: The Cannibal 2.0

Roberto Velásquez: (laughs)

Ian Butler: Thanks for this interview, latest Vuelta winner and promising talent, Roberto Velásquez.

Roberto Velásquez: Thank you.