The season has come ended and that provides a perfect opportunity to look back and evaluate. Tinkoff-Saxo’s experienced Russian, Evgeny Petrov, sums up his 14th year as a pro rider. According to him, the season started on the wrong foot but turned out great for him.

“Looking back at this season, I’m happy about how everything went. I had a bad crash during our training camp in January, which set me back going into the first months of the season, where I didn’t race. But I recovered, kept training and my season gradually improved as my shape got better”, says Evgeny Petrov, whose contract was renewed in August ahead of 2015.

Evgeny Petrov found his legs at Giro d’Italia, where he worked hard and devotedly for Rafal Majka. Petrov had originally dreamt of a stage win, but tells that he was just as satisfied to see Michael Rogers taking two solo victories. However, the personal success came in July, where he won the mountainous queen stage in Tour of Austria.

“I was really pleased to win in Austria. I enjoy working for the team. But as a rider, it’s important to experience personal success as well once in a while”, he comments and adds:

“Then I rode Tour de Pologne, where Rafal took two stage wins and the overall GC. It was amazing to feel the support from the spectators, and it definitely gave a boost when I rode at the front with the local hero in my wheel”.

Tinkoff-Saxo has announced improved ambitions for 2015 with big names joining the team and an increased attention to training and performance. Evgeny Petrov tells that it motivates him to be a part of a determined project.

“2015 will be very exciting for the entire team. Of course, there are big expectations, and we have to deliver, but we all share that goal. I’m confident in Bjarne’s decisions and it’s also special for me to work with Oleg. I rode on his team in ’07 and ’08, and the high level of ambition always characterizes it. I’m very happy”, finishes Evgeny Petrov, who’s preparing for the team building expedition to Mount Kilimanjaro.