Oscar Pujol’s search for a team for 2012 continues
Oscar Pujol is still looking for a new team to continue his 2012 season, after the cyclist was dropped by his previous side, Team Omega Pharma–Lotto.
A number of cyclists had to find new teams for the season ahead after the Belgian team announced its merger, to form Team Omega-Pharma Quickstep.
He started cycling professionally with Cervelo Test Team in 2009 and rode with the team for a period of two years.
Oscar accepted an offer from Team Omega Pharma-Lotto in 2011. However, he is still looking for a team to pursue his 2012 goals.
The 28-year-old has not lost hope and still trains for several hours a day to ensure his top form.
He told Cyclingnews, “Things are a little complicated because I don’t have a team for this year but I’m still training normally and I’m still motivated”.
He further added, “If I get an opportunity I want to be as strong as I can, so it’s important keep my head up and still work with the same attitude as before”.
A total number of 29 riders on the newly formed Omega Pharma-Quick Step squad are: Tom Boonen, Matt Brammeier, Dario Cataldo, Sylvain Chavanel, Francesco Chicchi, Gerald Ciolek, Kevin de Weert and Dries Devenyns.
Andrew Fenn, Michal Golas, Bert Grabsch, Iljo Keisse, Michal Kwiatkowski, Levi Leipheimer, Nikolas Maes, Tony Martin, Serge Pauwels, Jerome Pineau and Frantisek Rabon are also included in the Belgian squad.
The team will also be supported by Gert Steegmans, Zdenek Stybar, Niki Terpstra, Matteo Trentin, Guillaume Van Keirsbulck, Stijn Vandenbergh, Kristof Vandewalle, Martin Velits, Peter Velits and Julien Vermote.
Team Omega-Pharma Quickstep has definitely strengthened its side for the season and only the top riders from both the sides were given the contract.
Pujol was unlucky on missing the opportunity to ride with Patrick Lefevere’s team.
He mentioned, “I called everybody but they all said they were full. I’m not really looking for money, I just want to race and show myself. I really just want to enjoy the bike, that’s my real passion in life”.
Pujol trained with the BMC riders on Tuesday for several hours but he is still counting on his luck.
He is optimistic for the season ahead and is also willing to try other alternatives, mountain biking is an option he might consider for the 2012 season.
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