After six years at the Basque cycling team Euskaltel-Euskadi, Amets Txurruka became a victim for the UCI pointsystem before the season start.

Euskaltel has by tradition entirely based their riders from the Basque part of Spain. That tradition has changed for the upcoming season, while the team has hired several foreign riders, in their chase for one of the desirable WorldTour licenses.

Because of that, the team has had to say goodbye to several riders, including Basque rider, Amets Txurruka who is going to be cycling for the Pro Continental team, Caja Rural. He doesn't feel the pointsystem covers the variety of different rider types.

"Everything has become more calculating. Many prefer just to ride safely throughout the race and do their best for the team's objectives. I am one of those who prefers to take chances and make a breakaway far away from the finishing line, I am aware of that. It's just my way to be, but this approach isn't supported by the pointsystem" says the 30-year-old climber, to Caja Rurals homepage.

Suddenly over

At the same time, Txurruka wonders.

"I was surprised and hadn't expected it. I had communicated with them and hadn't seen signs that it would happen. It happened with a short call and suddenly, it was all over. It was cold and weird. I never had any trouble with anyone," He explains.

Looking forward to the future

The somewhat abrupt departure from the orange-clothed Basque team has not disheartened Txurruka. Instead he is excited to get started on a new chapter and hopes to regain his former level.

"We are looking forward to enter a good period. We have a good team and are eager. I want to go back to my normal level and show how long I can endure it, without any injuries or other interferences," he concludes.

Txurrukas biggest personal result so far took place in 2007, when he won the combativity award in the Tour de France.

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