With 5 victories and the mountains jersey in the Vuelta a Espana, Caja Rural draws a positive balance of the 2014 season. The team is already planning for 2015 and has confirmed 12 riders who will form the key part of the roster.

After taking 5 victories and numerous podiums and top 10 results and having raced aggressively in most races, Caja Rural-Seguros RGA closes 2014 with a good balance. Their green jersey was mostly seen on the attack, always seeking the elusive victory. In 2014 the team has taken a step up and looks ahead to an exciting 2015 where they aim to continue their growth and encourage more fans. The team will try to use their enthusiasm and aggressiveness to earn the maximum number of invitations to WorldTour races.

Team manager Eugenio Goikoetxea takes stock of the season that gave 5 wins: a stage for Luis León Sánchez in Amissa Bongo, Pello Bilbao in Klasika Primavera, a stage for Luis Leon Sanchez in the Vuelta a Castilla y León, a stage of the Volta a Portugal for Davide Vigano and the overall at the Tour du Gevaudan for Amets Txurruka. For 2015 the has confirmed 12 riders: 9 (David Arroyo, Francesco Lasca, Pello Bilbao, Heiner Parra, Amets Txurruka, Javier Aramendía, Fernando Grijalva, Antonio Molina and Lluis Mas) will continue and three (Hugh Carthy, Carlos Barbero and amateur rider Miguel Ángel Benito) have been signed. The team will hold its first team meeting in the first half of November.

”I make a good balance,” Goikoetxea said. “In addition to the wins, we have been present throughout the year. The team has constantly sought victory in breaks and as a result we have often been on the podium. We have had 5 wins. One always wants more but we have often been close to victory. We know it is very difficult to win and we have done our best.

“Attacking is one of our trademarks. This year we have been fortunate to have a rider like Luis Leon Sanchez who has given us two victories and the mountains jersey in the Vuelta. He was our main asset but you should not forget that other teams have 5 riders of Luisle’s quality.

“We can divide the evaluation of the Vuelta into two parts. Regarding the presence of the team and the advertising aspect, the balance is very good. People appreciate the team. On the other hand, the sporting balance is not so good. Podiums and the mountains jersey which is a coveted prize for any team, is fine for us but we had made lofty goals and wanted to win a stage. We tried every day but we failed.

“The team is already preparing for next season. We try to complete the team and create a group that can continue to grow. Currently we have three new signings, three young riders. I think we can get all benefits from this relationship. They have here a place to grow, learn and show their worth and we will try to help them making 2015 a great season. We will both benefit. 

“There is no doubt that it is a shame to lose Luis Leon Sanchez but it is the same every year. Riders come and perform at a high level but it often means that they leave for a WorldTour team. It is hard to replace Luisle as riders of his quality are beyond our reach. We have faith in the new riders who bring great enthusiasm and perseverance.”