Saturday, November 17, 2012

"It's hard to race when you don't get paid"













As previously reported, French-Basque Damien Branaa will return to the amateur ranks in 2013 after an unsuccessful year-long stint at 2012 Burgos BH - Castilla y León. The 26-year-old will team up with released Euskaltel rider and best friend Pierre Cazaux at French outfit Blagnac next season, and says money problems put paid to his professional adventure in Spain.

"It's been a very hard year for me, as I haven't received my pay every month", he told Gara. "It was tough for me and my wife to pay for the house, the car and everything else you need to live every month. I haven't been able to focus 100 per cent on the bike because of this, and as a result I didn't perform as I would have liked to. It was a very hard year, and therefore I prefer to continue as an amateur with Blagnac, who are also professional".

Looking towards the future, he's not overly optimistic of returning to the pro scene.

"There are many riders who want to turn pro, and in France the Veranda Rideau won't continue, Roubaix is downgrading from 12 to 10 riders, and other teams do the same... It's very difficult with the points system and the teams' lack of money".

Photo: BH Bikes

No comments:

 

web site counter
ISP Internet Providers