A year after raising the arms in San Lorenzo del Escorial, Álex Aranburu Return to Spanish championship with a mixture of uncertainty and ambition. The Gipuzkoan cyclist, who in 2024 conquered his first national title after an intelligent and resolutive performance, and that he wears five medals in the last five championships, will wear this Sunday the number one number one in Granada with the challenge of defending the Red Maillot.
But the situation is not identical to that of twelve months ago. “Well … I don't know how I am,” he acknowledges with the honesty that characterizes him. “I come from training at height, not like last year, which had already come from Belgium and knew it came well. This time is different. But I have done things well at home, we have worked with desire and I hope to find myself well. ”
Sunday's appointment is presented as one of the most demanding in recent years. Not only because of the layout, but also for the planned heat. “It is a very mousetrap, very hard I believe, and with this time it will become even harder,” he describes.
“I like the tour. It is true that it is dangerous, that it is narrow, that the descents have their own … but well, that is the same for everyone. So let's see how we are going”he confirmed at the hotel where he stayed with the rest of his co -confident companions.
This Sunday the route is disputed, with a demanding route and conditions according to Sergio Samitier (Cofidis) to brand.
The Guipuzcoan does not hide that this type of circuits stimulate him. Technicians, scrambled, without a clear dominator. “Everything can happen. It is true that there are 200 kilometers, which are not 160. And with this heat, you have to arrive. It will be a background, to know how to regulate, not to burn a while,” he analyzes. “Now we will see a little in the sub23 and in the previous tests how those of elite can also go.”
After a 2024 in which he consecrated with that champion jersey, Aranburu has perceived a change in the way the fans look at him. “Well, I don't know if it gives me, but it does notice,” he says. “When you leave the races out there, you see that people recognize you more. In the tour I noticed it a lot. They encouraged me by my name, and that did not happen so much. It shows, of course it shows.”
At the sports level, he does not want to put excuses or load with favorite labels. He knows that the race is very open, with multiple applicants. “I want to be like the last three years, in the fight. Then you win or not win. I do second, third, fourth … but the important thing is to be there. Be in the fight,” he explains.
On the rest of the rivals, the depth of the Movistar block stands out. “I believe that the key has Movistar, as in recent years. In the end they have many runners and a lot of level. Romeo, Romo, Channel … You can use almost anyone who goes forward. They have many options.” But do not forget other sets. “There are also Caja Rural, Ken Pharma … they will all be. And the individual, who will come without equipment, but with a lot of level. I see a very open championship,” he warns.
Looking to the future
Aranburu knows that it will not be easy to repeat the success of 2024, but it does not set limits. The experience is on your side. Motivation, too. “I don't know how exactly you get, but you will see on Sunday,” ditch with a smile.
Granada will decide if the champion repeats Corona or if he gives up the witness. Aranburu, with his doubts and ambition in tow, will try again. Because if something has demonstrated in recent years, it is always there. In the fight. Where the races are won.
