Despite information provided earlier this month by Carlos Betancur’s manager Giuseppe Acquadro via Italia media, the young Colombian will stay at the Ag2r La Mundiale as the team decided to give him a second chance.
The French squad’s manager Vincent Lavenu appeared to be confused by revelations passed by Italian media, claiming that tensions between both parties have been eased and the team had no intention to release Betancur from his contract.
“All of this came from Italy,” said Lavenu to L’Équipe, in reference to claims Betancur’s agent Giuseppe Acquadro made to Cyclingnews earlier this month.
“He is still under contract until 2016 and he will stay, that’s for sure… We have discussed the problems and they have been sorted. With that, we make a fresh start.”
In the same time Lavenu admitted that Betancur’s apparent lack of discipline which resulted with missing scheduled events – including the Tour de France, was a huge blow to him personally. He also suggested that issues regarding difficulties in adapting to live in Europe of the 24-year old Colombian have to be sorted out in the near future.
“I really struggled to absorb the fact that he did not show up for an appointment we set him in June,” said Lavenu.
“He's not an easy boy to work with. He’s a pure talent, but you have to behave like a top athlete. I know he's homesick regularly, he arrived in Europe at a young age, but he must learn to live with us and fit into our philosophy, and not we with his. If necessary, we can bring those close to him, his family and his girlfriend to Europe, to make him feel less alone.”
Betancur's contract with AG2R-La Mondiale is due to run until 2016.
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