Markel Irizar is known as one of the most reliable domestiques in the peloton. Next year he hopes to help Fabian Cancellara win a few more classics.

Markel Irizar is known as a rider that is committed to several organizations that are involved in the fight against cancer. He suffered from the disease himself and regularly supports the a number of associations.

Recently, he collaborated with Aspanogi which is the association of children with cancer in Guipúzcoa, and Movenber Oñate, an association that aims to raise awareness about the importance of early detection of prostate and testicular cancer. "I spend the month of October working on these collaborations, a surfing course and the writing of the the foreword for the book 'For the love of cycling' of Ainara Hernando, and I still rode my mountain bike," the Spaniard said, noting that he was never bored.

Irizar goes into his 12th season as a professional - he even has a contract until the end of 2016 - with the same enthusiasm as ever. "It seems incredible, but the 2015 season is here. The time has flown by. I feel that I finished the 2014 season yesterday and we are already preparing the next. I resumed training on November 3 and have tried to spend as much time as possible with my children and my wife," he said.

Irizar has already packed the suitcase and is ready to join his Trek Factory Racing Team for the first training camp in the Alicante town of Alfaz del Pi from the 6th to the 18th of December. "At this gathering, apart from training, we will test the new cquipment, adjust the position on the bike and plan the schedule for next season," he said.

As for the objectives of 2015, "they are the same as in the past year." 

"First, I will try to be at my best for the cobbled classics where I will try to take another win in Flanders and Roubaix with Fabian. Then, after a break, the aim will be to earn a spot for the Tour," he added.

Irizar who is one of the key domestiques for Cancellara, is one of the veterans of the team. In February he turns 35 and faces his twelfth season as a professional. 

"Gradually the years go by, but the motivation is still intact. Therefore, I only ask for good health and good luck next year. Then the road will decide what we will achieve. I hope that I can continue to enjoy what is my passion," he said.