Oscar Pujol desperate in need of a win to secure his future
Despite being uncertain of his future, Oscar Pujol’s last chance to secure his future is right in front of his eyes.
The cyclist struggled during the 2012 season and could not justify his talent which is the main reason why he failed to find a new home for 2013.
He is now eyeing the UCI 2.2 Banyuwangi Tour de Ijen, Indonesia, which is a last chance for the Iranian to impress the new teams for the season.
The 29-year-old marked his professional debut with Cervelo Test Team in 2009 and stayed with the side by the end of 2010.
He joined the World Tour side, Team Omega Pharma-Lotto in 2011 and was given a one-year deal from Azad University Cross Team.
The Tour de Ijen is scheduled from December 7-9 and the three-day event ideally suits Pujol’s abilities.
"I have seen that one stage ends on a 30kms [21km] hill on a volcano. If everything goes well I have big chances to win the stage and/or the leader jersey," said Pujol.
"It is not easy when you are contacted under a short delay during the Spanish winter time. Apart of that I have not had the possibility to train on the hills as they are snowed, I am not 100% at all".
Oscar believes that he is not 100 % fit which is the main reason behind his declined performance in the 2012 season however, in order to secure his future he must win the event or at least finish at the podium with a couple of stages in his bag.
"I must win, I am forced by my current situation," said Pujol.
The Iranian noted that despite the physical constraints, he is pretty much confident to find the right legs for the coming race.
He believes that all one needs to succeed is the mental strength and already has it
“No breaks, I cannot allow myself to stop," he concluded.
Only time will tell, if Pujol manages to win the most important race of his professional career as it determines whether or not he will be given a professional contract in for the new season.
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