Juan Jose Cobo still looking for his future team
Winner of Vuelta a Espana 2011, Juan Jose Cobo is still looking for his future team as his previous team, Geox-TMC, has announced its demise towards the end of the current season.
Cobo started his professional career in 2004 as he joined Team Saunier Duval-Prodir and stayed with the team for a period of six years.
He then moved to the Spanish squad Caisse d’Epargne in 2010 and finally joined Team Geox-TMC in 2011.
Juan had a terrific 2011 season as he finished third at the Trofeo Deia and at the Vuelta a Burgos, along with the splendid performance at the Spanish Grand Tour.
He was the overall winner at the Vuelta a Espana 2011 with a second place finish at stage 14.
His contract with the team had already been renewed for the 2012 season but as the Spanish side has still not impressed any sponsors for the coming season, its existence is in severe danger. Hence, all the Geox riders, including Cobo, must find new homes
for the coming season.
Juan’s tragic situation depicts a sad picture as even his terrific performance at the most recent Vuelta a Espana failed to impress any team for the coming season.
He is looking ahead to ride at the Tour de France 2012 as he mentioned earlier in October.
He said, "My plans are to ride the Tour, and then depending on how much strength I have left, I will participate in the Vuelta a Espana, because I would be thrilled to start with bib number one".
Cobo had rejected offers from different teams earlier on, after renewing the contract with Team Geox.
Team Movistar’s Manager, Eusebio Unzue told the Spanish media that his team will sign the cyclist in case he failed to find his future team.
He said, "If Cobo can't find another team, obviously we would take him," he continued, “We have already covered the budget, we would have to ask Telefonica for an increase".
The Spaniard has declined offers from Caisse d’ Epargne, Unzue’s team and is in severe depression because of the unknown future.
There is also the air of Cobo receiving an offer from another team but it does not have a WorldTour ranking.
Tags: