After a break-through season where Leopold Konig finished seventh in the Tour de France, the free agent had several teams to chose between. The 26-year old rider decided to sign with British powerhouse, Team Sky.
The Czech rider made his decision carefully. After offers from five teams, including NetApp-Endura and Team Sky, Konig decided after several visits to Manchester that Team Sky would be his best option. The rider declined to name the other three teams that made an offer.
Since then, Konig went on a two week holiday to recover from the 2014 season. After the vacation, he went to a three-day camp of Team Sky in the United Kingdom. This was the first chance for Konig to meet his teammates. The three days were confirmation for the former stage-winner in the Vuelta that he made the right choice.
"It was just confirmation of what I thought about the team and the work they are doing. I am really happy with my decision," König told Cyclingnews
The camp was meant for the riders to get to know each other and have some fun. The riders went out on the water with the British Sailing Team.
"It was pretty awesome stuff. I did sailing about 10 years ago, with my parents on a smaller boat. This time it was a bit different, with a much bigger boat. It was a lot of fun and we did a lot of good team work and finally we got second place from ten boats. So I was pretty pleased."
While Konig decided early in the season that he would leave team NetApp-Endura, it wasn’t an easy decision. Konig turned professional with the team.
"Without NetApp I wouldn't be at this level. I joined them from team Whirlpool. There were no other options for me at that time, in 2010. I'm so grateful to them," he says. "It's hard to leave a team like this, especially when you feel at home there. But life changes and you have to move on and we have to work on other things. It's a pity, but that's life.”
Konig also took the time to look forward to the 2015 season. Although his calendar will not be finalized until the official team training camp in December, Konig has some clear preferences.
"For about a month after the Tour, I was feeling a little bit empty. Then it changed completely and I told myself that I wanted to go back next year. Normally, it will be in a supporting role or a leadership role, so I definitely want to go back next year," he says.
Konig Concluded, "I would also like to do Tirreno and Catalunya, because I've never got to do them. I've never ridden the Giro so maybe that will be the next step."
Sophie ENEVER 25 years | today |
Matic VEBER 28 years | today |
Jorge CASTELBLANCO 36 years | today |
Jorge CASTEL 36 years | today |
Georgia CATTERICK 27 years | today |
© CyclingQuotes.com