José Herrada (1985) will be a basic part of the Movistar Team next season and he plans to do the Giro d'Italia with Alejandro Valverde and the Vuelta a Espana.
Herrada had a good year in 2015 as he returned to his winning ways with victory in the Klasika Primavera in Amorebieta and debuted at the Tour de France at 30 years of age.
In a recent interview in La Tribuna de Cuenca, he outlines his plans for his ninth season, the fifth at the Movistar Team. "In principle I will begin in February at the Volta a la Valenciana and then perhaps go to a French race before travelling to Italy for the Strade Bianche and Tirreno-Adriatico. Furthermore, the intention is to be in the Giro with Alejandro and return to the Vuelta a Espana."
The Giro gives him special pleasure as he plans to be there for a fourth time after 2012, 2013 and 2014: "I like the Giro very much for its atmosphere, the fans and the courses. I am also motivated to do the Vuelta again as it gave me great joy in 2013 when I finished 12th overall."
He knows that he has clear tasks when it comes to supporting his teammates but also has his own ambitions: "The first goal is to help the team in everything and work hard in every race. On a personal level, I will try to use some of the opportunities. For example, I would love to obtain a stage win in the Giro."
Herrada has now reached the age where cyclists are usually at their best. "The key is to have enthusiasm to go ahead and enjoy a sport that I have loved since I as a child.The secret is to maintain the illusion from the beginning to the end and train hard. In cycling there is much suffering. Someday I will step off the bike, but right now I do not consider retirement because I have the same enthusiasm as I had on the first day."
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