One of the most renowned and gaudy among the breakaway artists, Amets Txurruka, turns 31 next Sunday and eagerly prepares for his second season in the Caja Rural - RGA team,  which he joined after riding for six years in the outfit of Euskaltel - Euskadi. Having reached most of his more remarkable results during the passing year, including overall victory in the Vuelta Asturias underlined by winning first stage of the race, as well as winning mountain classifications of Vuelta al Pais Vasco and Vuelta a Burgos, the Basque rider hopes to continue that line next year.

“The balance is good. As a team , I think we met the objectives we had set . And personally, I had spent years trying to achieve that victory which has finally arrived this year in the Tour of Asturias. Maybe we missed a victory in the Tour, but we knew that was going to be very difficult. We know that the victories in the Tour are highly desired by everyone, but we always stayed at the front and tried to keep up with the protagonists,” Txurruka summarizes last season’s efforts with Caja Rural.

“The truth is that I enjoyed this year. I have not had injuries , I've had a continuity and this allowed me to perform on the satisfying level again. In this team from the beginning we have gotten a blank card and started from the very same level. We each have our own chances and we try to take advantage of those opportunities. For this part , we have a little more freedom ,” Basque told biciciclismo.com

Despite his age, Txurruka stays optimistic about the possibilities of his further progress, as well as he prizes the team for taking the right path of development.

“A little further progress, next step in order of reaching the top quality. Working on the same way and especially with a respect to my organism, because if I have injuries I can’t keep the continuity which is essential to make this progress ,” the Basque describes his expectations connected with upcoming season

“We had a very powerful roster this year, and were able to gain new signings that should add more quality, balanced mixture of youth and experience . I am a veteran, and yes, I can lend a hand to the younger riders , but often they teach me.”

What is not a surprise, Txurruka regrets folding of the Euskaltel with en end of 2013 year, both as a Basque and as a member of a team between 2007 and 2012.

“It was a surprise . They said it was a project for four years , with more money, which would grow , and suddenly I began to hear they had money problems . Then they confirmed everything and I was a little saddened by the situation that affected many of my colleagues and friends. Then came Alonso and created an illusion followed by disillusion when they haven’t reached an agreement . In the end many colleagues and assistants is left without a job, and disappears a team with a particular philosophy.”