Interview in Marca, some things:
On banning power meters
I do not know how much it is a good idea. It is difficult to know what would be the effect because when a rider goes well sometimes he saves his strength depending on what the watts tell him. I think that it benefits more those who manage worse their resources, but in the end the stronger always wins.
In training, they are essential because they make the preparation much better. Cycling is always evolving and they have contributed a lot to this sport. In the race it is something else. I repeat that when a rider is well, he uses it very little. It is an indicative data that can help you at a given moment, but when you are strong you hardly even look at it because you depend on the adrenaline, concentration and your value.
On Le Tour accident
It was serious because it brought many complications. It turned out to be a hard blow. For me and my team it was a very big setback that's why my group has filed a complaint to try to save damages and prejudices. Soon I have to go talk to the French Gendarme to clarify what happened. We'll see how it looks, it was a shame. I hope nobody has to suffer something similar.
On his contract with Bahrain
”I think I can continue here - he explains - Surely there is a good proposal and the will to continue. We will talk about it during the winter. I'm happy here, but I also have other offers from other important teams. Although I would prefer to stay, so I hope to reach an economic agreement”
On the future
“The generations are destined to change always - he comments - It is normal for young riders to emerge. Even younger guys, but this is not something that worries me. It's normal. There are Miguel Angel Lopez, Egan Bernal and company, but we veterans too will continue to fight as much as possible. In my case, I hope to be able to continue at least three years at a high level"
For 2019, in which the "worlds are not suitable", as well as the Grand Tours, he will aim at "success at the Liège - Bastogne - Liège and other prestigious classics". The Doyenne will therefore be an important moment of its next season, while for 2020 the crucial events seem like two more: World Championships and Olympics.
“I have not seen the parcours of Tokyo 2020, but the road race will be very tough - he concludes - On the other hand, the world championship jersey is a dream for me. This year in Austria was a great opportunity, given the very demanding route, but it was not possible for me to get in the best shape to contest it. I hope that in the future there will be a parcours of similar hardness and to be able to try to win because it really is one of the great goals that I miss in my sporting career ".
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