Last season Sergio Pardilla crashed on the opening stage of the 2015 Vuelta al Pais Vasco. The Caja Rural Seguros RGA rider left the race with four broken ribs, a punctured lung and fractures in his scapulae. Now, he is ready to be back in the peloton even if he is not at 100 percent of his physical condition.

Interviewed by Marca, he reflectd on his shape. “I’m training normally, but I’m still not certain how my left hand will feel when I’m in competition. According to the surgeon who treated me, my hand was ripped apart in the crash. The mental element in my rehabilitation has been the hardest part to handle. If you’re a professional sportsman and to go from a very active life – racing, lots of journeys – to nothing is tough. It’s also hard being dependent on people for your everyday life.

"After nearly a year away from racing, I’m going to have to take it step by step. When I saw the images, my first thought was that I was lucky to be still here to be able to talk about it. I went from 55 kph to nothing. I didn’t see anything, I didn’t know why I’d crashed."

Now Pardilla concentrates on his future in cycling. "It’s a new year and the odometer is on zero. My only New Year’s wish is for health, the rest I’ll handle. I want to help the team win as many races as possible."