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Iban Mayo, Euskaltel-Euskadi

2 April 2005

Bonding, Victories, Eggs With Chorizo

 

Iban Mayo may not have made it to the top step of the Tour de France podium, but rest assured that the climbing ace from the Basque Country has plenty of great performances ahead of him. BiciRace.com recently had the pleasure of speaking with him before the all important Tour of the Basque Country. Read below to find out about his thoughts from his Orbea Orca to his favorite foods.
Interviewed by Paco of BiciRace.com

Photos from Christine Grein in Holland at ... Capture-The-Peloton.com

Original Spanish Version

Bonding With The Team

BiciRace.com:  Can you tell BiciRace.com at what age did you realize that you had the right physical characteristics to be a good cyclist?
Iban Mayo:  Early on, but there is not really an exact age. I started noticing in the junior category that I was going quite well. Then, in the next category I began adjusting, and winning some races...
BR:  Currently many pro teams are very cosmopolitan. In contrast, Euskaltel-Euskadi is comprised of nothing but Basques. What is the environment like within the team? Is it more like a family?
IM:  Without a doubt, it's a special team. It really is like a family. Of course, you notice that all the riders are from the same area, which fosters a different environment within the team. When you are not yet a professional you compete with all of them in the Basque races, even though they are usually on different teams. Then you start wearing the same jersey and you train with riders that live 10-15 kilometers from your home. We've all known each other a long time. A different team philosophy creates a different team character.
BR:  The Basque Country has its own language (possibly one of the oldest in the world) and a very strong identity. Within the team do you generally speak Castellano (Iberian Spanish) or Euskera (Basque)?
IM:  It depends on the situation. With the Euskaldunes riders you speak Basque, with those who don't know Basque you speak Castellano.

Victories And Equipment

BR:  Your victory at Alpe d'Huez in 2003 was one of the most spectacular moments in recent sporting history. What were you thinking when you attacked the peloton? Tell our BiciRace.com readers how your legs felt at that very moment? What do you say to yourself to calm your nerves at such a tense moment?
IM:  That day, since the beginning of the stage, I noticed that I felt great on the bike. It's true that you won't know how you'll respond until you reach the final climb of the day. The stage progressed and then we reached the final climb (Alpe d'Huez) which began with a lot of attacks. I took advantage of an attack by Joseba Beloki to lauch my own attack. In those moments you think that you have to get to the end, and you have to get there however you are able. The truth is that I experienced no problems, even though you always have doubts in the back of your head that the peloton is approaching from behind. When I realized that I had made it, the emotions rushed over me. It is a moment that you dream about, and then you see that it is reality. I won the Alpe d'Huez stage of the Tour de France! It is the fulfillment of a dream.
BR:  And very cool to watch on TV. Then last year, 2004, you had an excellent second place in the general classification of the Tour of the Basque Country. Are you going for victory in your home tour this year or are your goals for the season further down the road?
IM:  This year I'm taking on the season with a different idea. The preparation for this season has been easier. My main objectives are different this year. Of course the Tour of the Basque Country is an important objective for the team and we always prepare well for this race. For that reason I want to contest it, to help the team in whatever way I can.
BR:  So are you a person that easily finds your form or is it more difficult to get to be in good shape?
IM:  Generally speaking, it doesn't take long for me to hone my form. I have the good fortune of being able to ride fairly well without too many kilometers in my legs.
BR:  And when you are putting those kilometers in your legs you are on your Orbea. Tell BiciRace.com a little about your Orbea. How does it handle on the climbs? And descents? And your other equipment?
IM:  I'm riding a carbon Orbea Orca, which is a phenomenal bike. It's incredibly light, rigid, it is an absolute to pleasure to ride on any kind of terrain. It is very compact and extremely reliable.

Eggs With Chorizo

BR:  You travel a lot during the season. Is there a country or certain culture that particularly interests you?
IM:  I have traveled all over with the team. France, Portugal, Belgium, Italy, but at the same time I haven't really seen too much. They aren't really what you would call exotic countries with regard to cultural differences. I get the feeling that in Belgium and France there's less people in the streets. People there seem mellower and more home bound.
BR:  And when you are travelling all over with the team what type of music do you have loaded in your player? Do you like Spanish bands or do you prefer foreign music?
IM:  When I was young I use to listen to music that most young people listen to at that age, rock groups from the Basque Country and also Spanish rock groups…basically anything that had rhythm. Now I listen to everything, it depends a lot on the moment. Sometimes I like relaxing music, other times wilder music. I like all genres of music.
BR:  Tell BiciRace.com, what is your favorite dish?
IM:  Eggs with chorizo and bacon is one of my favorites, not to forget beans with bacon. I love bacon.
BR:  Sounds good. And if you weren't a professional cyclist, what would you be doing?
IM:  I don't know. That is always a difficult question to answer. Since I was very young I had to dedicate myself to the bike and for that reason I left my studies. It's very difficult to guess where I would be right now. Quite possibly I'd be in a factory like many of the kids that leave their studies at a young age.

Be sure to check Iban Mayo out at his personal website, and his team, Euskaltel-Euskadi.