Sergey Lagutin is one of recruits de la formation Katusha Team for the saison 2015. The Russian rider, interviewed by CyclingQuotes, comes back on this 2014 season. He raised their arms in the air three times with RusVelo, a Continental Pro team. But the next year, he will come back in World Tour.

First of all, what does a rider during the hiverale truce? "I had many things to do in Russia this off season so I basically had no vacation just a little time off now I'm back on the bike training. During the winter I do some exercises in the gym;however I started riding as I will do the tour down under and I need to start early."

"My season was okay but nothing special as I expected much more from myself at the races in Europe. I did okay but never was at my highest level. I don't count my victories in Russia but I will take them nonetheless." Indeed, he won only on Russian soil. This spring, he won the Mayor Cup, one stage at the Five rings of Moscow (2nd at the overall) and one stage at the Grand Prix Sotchi (2nd at the overall).

"My best moment this season was how I felt at the tour of Luxembourg and Tour of Belgium. I feel like I could have possibly won one of the stages at one of these races but it just didn't happen. Tour of Belgium I was disqualified and at Luxembourg it was very difficult to beat Breschel."

Without a contract for 2015, he had two choices: stay with RusVelo or try their luck in World Tour with Katusha, team whose he knows "the most of the riders and staff".

"I had a good offer from Katusha and Rusvelo. It was difficult for me to leave Rusvelo as they were good to me and gave me many opportunities as a professional. However, I could not pass up the opportunity to ride on the World Tour level again." Between 2011 and 2013, he rode for a World Tour team: Vacansoleil.

Now, he thinks about the next season. He hopes to shine on the European races and also show on the grand tours. "My goals for 2015 are to continue to develop as a professional rider at the World Tour level. I am hopeful to do the Giro and Vuelta."

He participated in six grand tours: once the Tour de France (2013), twice the Tour of Italy (2011 and 2012) and three-time the Tour of Spain (2009, 2011 and 2012). The latter is his favorite race on the calendar.

There is almost a year to the day, he decided to change his nationality. He explained his choice. "When I was born it was the USSR so I have always been Russian. I changed my license because I have many more opportunities with Russia. They have time and time again proven to support their athletes in every way and I am very grateful to now race under the Russian Federation Flag."