With the sincerity that characterizes him, Sergio Samitier Granada lands with the engine to the limit after a very demanding first part. He Cofidis cyclist will not be on the tour, But he undertakes to give everything in the Spanish championships to support his partner Álex Aranburu, One of the great favorites. Between jokes and serious reflections, analyzes in MARK The moment of Spanish cycling, the pressure by the UCI points, the rivalry between Pogacar and Vingegaard and the need to reduce risks in the race.
Samitier, with brand.
How do you get to these championships?
Tired, really. It has been a very demanding season: I was at Itzulia, then concentration in height, I ran races in Switzerland and the Switzerland tour … now, finally, a small vacation. You know that we don't really have vacations, but at least I try to lower the rhythm a bit, that the engine cools. Although in Granada it will be complicated with the 40 degrees they give … the engine smokes me.
This Sunday the route is disputed, with a demanding route and conditions according to Sergio Samitier (Cofidis) to brand.
How important are these championships for Cofidis?
A lot. If it were for me, I would have stopped after Switzerland, I went to the beach for three days and disconnect. But having Álex, Jesus and being me, to get wet in the interviews, because you have to be. The Spanish championship is a race that always goes crazy: attacks, groups, lack of control … in such a circuit, having someone who closes what does not interest or open what is important. As far as I arrive, I will be there, even if the engine says enough.
The current champion of Spain aims to repeat success this Sunday in Granada.
Above, you run at a numerical disadvantage …
Yes, we are four and the drum, which is me. Literal. Movistar goes with eight, Ken Pharma also with more. And everyone is going to look at Álex because he carries the champion jersey. So the pressure is there. But well, we have to play our buzas and be attentive so that He or Jesus can have real options.
Yes, we are four and the drum, which is me. Literal
Have you already talked about the strategy?
Not much, really. But it is clear that everyone is going to monitor Alex. We are few, so we will have to be ready, play the mistake. If we manage to put it in a good group of four or five …
Are you happy in Cofidis?
I am always happy. It was in Movistar and I am here. The only thing is that the French costs me a lot. But as more and more English are spoken, survivor. And here in the championship we are all in Spanish, so zero problems.
What do you expect from the team in the tour, even if you don't run it?
With so much competition I have not had time to see the tour. I just know something about the chrono, that catches me close. But well, the tour is the tour: very hard, demanding … and we go with the best we have to add points. You have to perform on the Tour, have a block for the classics, another for lavuelta … is chaos. It reminds me of my last year in Movistar, when we were with the water around the neck. Hopefully we save the category. And if not, it is clear that we gave everything.
There are things of the new cycling that do not convince you, like the points.
Completely. We have precious races here that are not worth the ranking, while one -day classic are distributed 800 points. The system makes no sense.
And what do you think of the Pogacar-Vingegaard rivalry?
Honestly, I don't see them. When they start, I'm out. They are barbarity. And in addition, they do a bit boring cycling. In the World Cup, for example, Pogacar went alone at 100 of the goal … and that's it, the race is over. The most entertaining are those that do not run, because there are attacks, movements. We are getting used to that superiority and that is not very cool.
Do you agree to reduce speeds or limit developments?
Yes, no doubt. This goes at a formula rate 1. The difference between carrying a cover of 28 tubels or one of 25 is abysmal. And he leaves very fast. If instead of going to 50 we go to 47, I delighted. Less cakes. And not lost show. Imagine to download a port to 80 instead of 90: Better for everyone. It is not fear, but from within it gives respect. You go in an Indian row to 70 for villages with islets and curbs … It goes wrong. From outside it does not seem so much, but from within scares.
What would you be satisfied as a cyclist?
I will always say that winning a stage in a great return would be brutal. But in the end I keep the way. I do it for love, because I like it, and I am happy. I am no longer the young promise, now I am the eternal promise. I keep everything that has given me cycling: people, travel, experience … and if that dream stage comes, welcome. But if not, I'm already happy with what has been lived.
