Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Galdeano explains himself

















Having finally decided to grant interviews after staying quiet through the team's recruitment process, incoming Euskaltel Euskadi General Manager Igor González de Galdeano sat down with Deia for an extensive interview. Here are the most relevant questions and answers, including his take on the new signings, the team's new philosophy, his reaction to that letter, etc. If you want to read the entire interview, click this link.

Question: What will it be like to present the new Euskaltel to the UCI?

Answer: The truth is that when I was presented with the opportunity to lead this team, I always said we couldn't be sure of being in the WorldTour. You can't buy your way into the WorldTour, it's not something you can be no matter what. I told them (the sponsors) that we might be in the WorldTour or we might not, but we have to go for it. If you don't go for it, you're not going to be there. To this day I believe we did what was needed, but it doesn't depend on me. I believe the list of the teams that are granted a licence will be released this week or the 1st of November, and one team will be left out. We strongly believe we're not that team.

Q: What arguments will you present to the Licencing Committee?

A: They seek a global sport, and we've now taken a step towards that. Our leaders are Basque - we will not budge on that, and I think the UCI understands that. Those are our roots, but they want teams to become more competitive in all races. Therefore, we've taken the initial step of signing nine non-Basque riders, riders who can help us improve on our weakness in one-day races.

Q: Is the price to pay for being in the WorldTour to high?

A: When Lotto was born, they wanted a team for Belgian cycling. They realized that with only Belgians, they weren't going to be able to be in the WorldTour, and therefore had to sign other riders. It's the same thing with Orica. We are the only team that, thanks to Miguel Madariaga's work, have Basque leaders. But we have to adhere to the regulations in place. It's not about whether the price to pay is high or low. It is what it is. If you want to be in the WorldTour, you have to meet certain standards.

Q: What's it been like for you personally to take such an unpopular decision?

A: It was a hard decision to make, seeing as everything is reflected in me. It seems that Igor is the one who made this decision. I take responsibility for it, but it hasn't been Igor's decision. It was the decision of all the sponsors who wanted to be in the best league. Euskadi want to be represented as a brand on a global level and want to stay there. I asked them if we could adapt to this situation and work towards an increasingly Basque team in the future. Our sponsors wanted the team to remain exclusively Basque, but the regulations in place prevent us from doing that.

Q: Is the team's philosophy abandoned?

A: We're adapting our philosophy to the UCI's rules. We don't have 29 Basque riders that would make us part of the WorldTour, so we have to adapt.

Q: But it's a big change after 18 years.

A: Yes, but it wasn't our decision. They warned us we would have problems (with the licence) in the future - every year we had less points and the other teams more.

Q: Does the ex-Euskaltel riders' letter mirror this divide ('divide' is related to an earlier question not included here)?

A: I think it's a letter against me under the guise of the team's philosophy. It's a letter to Igor; it's got nothing to do with the team. I reflected on whether they're all members of the Fundación, members of Euskaltel, tax payers in Euskadi... I've thought about it a lot. Here we're all Basques. I respect the letter, I don't agree with it and everyone should be responsible for their own actions.

Q: How do you rate your team?

A: We continue with a basis of Basque riders, with a view to the future and to the present, and they're joined by two experienced Germans - something I also looked for in Óscar Freire. They're veterans, they know what it's all about. They've given a very good impression. I told them we're not looking for them to grow as riders, but that they're here to help the young riders and keep the team in the WorldTour. I tried to sign riders who could help us in one-day races. Jure Kocjan is motivated for the Classics. Serebryakov is the one I've seen with the biggest ambitions. Vrecer and Tamouridis are two veterans who are great at time trialling, national champions, who'll solidify this project.

23 comments:

Chris said...

Good story! Let the points come to the Basques so the Basques can come to Euskaltel and the team can loose the foreigners. The letter of Zubeldia, Fernandez, Castroviejo and Inxausti was painful but stupid. Come back to your team if you don't want this to happen!
Anton is against, but without he can't ride Romandie or Swiss... he should be glad, or do the job he is paid for!

The Russian is a great talent btw!

Magnus said...

Have to say I agree with everything you're saying, Chris. But next year, Zubeldia, Intxausti, Castro and co. will be out of contracts, so perhaps they will come back...

Anonymous said...

Fantastic goods from you, man. I have understand your stuff previous to and

you are just too excellent. I actually like what

you've acquired here, certainly like what you're stating and the way in which you

say it. You make it enjoyable and you still take care of
to keep it smart. I

cant wait to read much more from you. This is really a great website.
My blog post - stuffad.com

Anonymous said...

Wonderful paintings! That is the type of info that are
meant

to be shared across the internet. Shame on the seek engines for no longer positioning this post higher!
Come on

over and discuss with my site . Thank you

=)
Also visit my site ; realestatemarbella.wordpress.com

Anonymous said...

Hello! This is my first visit to your blog! We are a

group of volunteers and starting a new project in a community in the same niche.
Your blog

provided us beneficial information to work on. You have
done a outstanding job!
my web site > boosted

Anonymous said...

With every little thing that

seems to be developing throughout this area, all your opinions are generally fairly exciting.
On the other hand, I am sorry, but I do not give credence to your

whole strategy, all be it exhilarating none the

less. It looks to everyone that your remarks

are actually not totally validated and in

reality you are your self not even wholly confident of your point.
In any case I did enjoy reading it.
Also see my site - Stat

Anonymous said...

Greetings from Colorado! I'm bored to tears at

work so I decided to browse your blog on my iphone during lunch break. I really like the information you present here and can't wait
to take a look when I get home. I'm

surprised at how quick your blog loaded on my cell phone .. I'm not even using WIFI,

just 3G .. Anyhow, good blog!
Also see my webpage > usa spain madrid basketball

Anonymous said...

Hi, Neat post. There's a problem with your site in internet explorer, would check

this… IE still is the market leader and a huge portion of people will miss your magnificent writing due to this problem.
My web page - http://modellus.fct.unl.pt

Anonymous said...

Great post. I used to be checking constantly this weblog and I'm

inspired! Very useful info specifically the

final section :) I deal with such

information much. I used to be seeking this particular information

for a long time. Thanks and best of luck.
Also visit my page : www.kseattle.com

Anonymous said...

Together with every little thing that

seems to be developing inside this particular area, many of your points
of view tend to be

very stimulating. Even so, I appologize, because I can not give credence to your entire idea,
all be it exhilarating none the

less. It would seem to me that your opinions

are not totally validated and in actuality you are generally your self not wholly confident
of the assertion. In any

event I did enjoy reading it.
Take a look at my website ... http://djmcservices.netfirms.com/bulletin/nfphpbb/profile.php?mode=viewprofile&u=355174&sid=9ed63cfd0bc10bfdb8485fd1086224ba

Anonymous said...

Superb blog you have here but I was curious if you knew
of any message boards that cover the same topics discussed in this article?
I'd really love to

be a part of online community where I can get suggestions from other knowledgeable individuals that share the same interest. If you have any

recommendations, please let me know. Many thanks!
Take a look at my homepage :: http://awareworld.Blogspot.Co.uk

Anonymous said...

Wow! This can be one particular of the most helpful blogs We have ever arrive across

on this subject. Actually Wonderful. I'm also an expert in this topic so I can understand your effort.
my web page :: simple-cardio.blogspot.fr

Anonymous said...

Good day! This post couldn't be written any better!

Reading through this post reminds me of my previous room mate! He always kept chatting

about this. I will forward this page to him. Fairly certain he will have a good read.

Many thanks for sharing!
Review my web blog evjbs.taurus.uberspace.de

Anonymous said...

As a Newbie, I am permanently exploring online for articles that can

help me. Thank you

My web-site http://www.culturachianti.it
Also see my webpage > Albir

Anonymous said...

very nice put up, i actually love this website, keep on it
Here is my web page :: rusly-trk.blogspot.ru

Anonymous said...

Keep functioning ,impressive job!
Also visit my web site - http://cansadorintrabajable.blogspot.fr

Anonymous said...

I really like your blog.. very nice colors & theme.
Did you make this website yourself or did you

hire someone to do it for you? Plz respond as I'm looking to construct my own blog and

would like to find out where u got this from. kudos
Also visit my web page - http://cartyvpgt.lumx.zbngqjadct.tcsq.qypvthu.loqu.forum.mythem.es/mfgbkcapc/ascidiform/laugher/pureen/gjetter/remplissage/haringen

Anonymous said...

Hi there! I could have sworn I've been to this site

before but after browsing through some of the post I realized it's new to me.


Anyhow, I'm definitely delighted I found it and I'll be bookmarking
and checking back

frequently!

Also visit my blog post; www.gloriouslinks.com

Anonymous said...

I'm still learning from you, while I'm making my way to the top as well.

I certainly liked reading all

that is posted on your site.Keep the stories coming. I

enjoyed it!

Review my web site; http://moodle.univ-antananarivo.mg/user/view.php?id=29325&course=1

Anonymous said...

It is really a great and helpful piece of information.
I’m glad that you shared this

helpful information with us. Please keep us informed like this.
Thank you for

sharing.

Here is my web-site - Top.en-martinique.net

Anonymous said...

Hello! I simply want to give a huge thumbs up for the great data

you might have right here on this post. I will probably be coming again to your
weblog for extra soon.

Feel free to visit my web blog Alfagraphics.pl

Anonymous said...

Thanks for some other excellent

article. Where else may anyone get that type of info

in such an ideal means of writing? I have a presentation subsequent


week, and I am on the look for such information.

My homepage :: www.kilmokit.at

Anonymous said...

advertising and ***********

with Adwords. Anyway I am including this RSS to my e-mail
and could glance out

for a lot more of your respective interesting content.
Make sure you replace this again soon..

Check out my blog http://uni-sv.org/?q=node/820353

 

web site counter
ISP Internet Providers