Menchov & Sastre to lead GEOX-TMC to the Vuelta

16 August, 2011 - GEOX-TMC has announced the squad that will be taking part in the Vuelta España scheduled from August 20^th to September 11^th. The selected riders are Spain’s own Carlos Sastre, David Blanco, Juan Josè Cobo and David De la Fuente, Russians Denis Menchov and Dimitryy Kozontchuk, Colombians Fabio Duarteand Mauricio Ardila and Austrian Matthias Brandle. Sports Directors Joxean Fernández Matxin and Daniele Nardello will be leading the riders in the pack from the team’s flagship vehicle.

“For our team the Vuelta is without a doubt one of the most important events of the season,” explains Sports Director Joxean Fernández Matxin. “I think it’s going to be a tough, selective race right from the very first stages. We’re lining up for the start with a competitive, highly motivated squad. Our point man will definitely be Denis Menchov, who has already made it to the highest step on the podium twice in his career, in 2005 and 2007. We can also count on Carlos Sastre, another great specialist in stage races, winner of the 2008 Tour de France and second place in the Vuelta twice, in 2005 and 2007 - in fact, right behind Menchov – and third once, in 2008. Riding by their side will be important riders like Juan Josè Cobo and David Blanco, who proved in the recent Vuelta a Burgos that they’re in peak shape. And let’s not forget Duarte, Ardila, Brandle and Kozontchuk, who will be tasked with supporting their captains and helping out when they can, or going for it and standing out when they get the chance.” 

“After the Giro d’Italia I underwent an accurate training regimen to prepare for the Vuelta, to get here in the best possible shape,” explains Menchov. “This is a race I really love, and in which I’ve already obtained two prestigious victories; of course, I’m starting out with the objective of obtaining the maximum result, although it won’t be easy. The route is gruelling and I’ll be going up against some very competitive rivals. Fortunately, I’ll be able to count on the support of some excellent riders. I think our squad is well equipped to put in a good race.”

“I’m happy with the work we’ve done these last few weeks,” explains Sastre. “For me the Vuelta is a very important event. I feel like health is on my side, as compared with the first part of the season, when I had several problems. I’ve finally found the momentum I’ve been striving for, both in training and during races. This is essential for me to take on a three week race. I’m hoping I can close out the season in the best way possible.”

For GEOX-TMC, the Vuelta will mark a return to racing for the young Colombian talent Fabio Duarte.

“I’m very happy that the team has placed their trust in me by deciding to call on me for the Vuelta. My season got off to a good start – at the Giro del Trentino I even managed to clinch a nice victory. I felt like I was in good shape for the Giro d’Italia, but unfortunately I had to pull out for a problem with my knee resulting from a fall, which forced me to sit things out for a long time. Now the problem finally seems to be resolved. These last few weeks I’ve managed to work out, even intensely, and I feel ready to take on the commitment of a three week race”.