Only an impressive Vincenzo Nibali and Astana team in Il Lombardia prevented Daniel Moreno from winnining the last monument of the season, a victory that would have been the best possible farewell to Team Katusha. Moreno hopes to decide on his future this week and sign a contract that will allow him to continue in the WorldTour.
Second place and a great performance in Lombardia was the perfect way to end 2015 and prove his skills. It was not a personal surprise though as because he only confirmed his quality. Less than 24 hours after crossing the line in second, he reflected on the race and the future in an interview with Biciciclismo.
"I've showed my level. I don't have to show much more because I'm always there throughout the calendar. I can't do more," he said.
He hopes to stay in the WorldTour.
"Fortunately there are teams that want me. Hopefully I can end the negotiations this week to rest after a tough year and gradually focus on next season," he said.
His latest results reflect his versatility: he brushed victory in the Tour de Suisse where he was second twice, was fourth in San Sebastian, won a stage and finished third in the Vuelta a Burgos, worked for Joaquim Rodriguez and finished ninth in the Vuelta and on Sunday he was close to the win in Lombardy.
"I think I'm a reinforcement for any team as I'm competitive in all areas and in all races. I am a rider that does well in all areas, both in classics and grand tours and I can help the team leader. I think I'm very complete. I have always liked to have my chances, especially in the classics, to show what I'm worth, but also left my skin on the road to help a leader until the last moment, and I think I've always done well. So I think I'm useful in an situation."
Moreno is still reflecting on Il Lombardia where Nibali escaped on the descent of Civiglio before Moreno attacked on the San Fermo della Battaglia, left Pinot and Valverde behind and only missed 21 seconds in catching Nibali at the finish.
"I am satisfied by the great race I did and by being on the podium. It was close. Perhaps with a little more luck and a less lively Nibali, I could have won. On the last climb I proved I was the strongest. In fact, I did not miss much to catch him. I still have that frustration," he lamanted
Two keys were Diego Rosa, an extraordinary domestique for Nibali in the last 20 kilometers, and Nibali's descending.
"I had a good feeling and tried to close gaps at my rhythm because with so many changes of rhythm, the legs would suffer more. It was difficult with such a strong team as Astana. Rosa worked very well and made us slow down behind," he recalled.
"We were caught by surprise," he said about the attack on the descent from Civiglio. "I did expect him to try but we did not cooperate well and Nibali knew the descent and got an advantage quickly."
Il Lombardia was his last race in the jersey of Team Katusha after five seasons during which he has achieved great successes with a win in Fleche Wallonne, three stage victories and an ovrall fifth place in the Vuelta a Espana, overall victori in Vuelta a Burgos, two stage wins in the Dauphiné and much more.
"I'm happy for the last two races I've raced with them. I was ninth in the Milan-Turin-and I almost won a WorldTour race in Lombardy. So I understand that they will be satisfied with my last performance," he told Bicicislismo.
He now hopes to sign a new contract before the holidays.
"When I have sorted everything out, I will go to Argentina with the family.The first few days I will be with them in San Juan and those are my moments of relaxation, because when I start training because I will go to the Cordoba mountains," he said.
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