Philip Deignan is looking ahead to stay fit for the 2012 season
Philip Deignan is warming up to start the new year with Team UnitedHealthcare. The cyclist suffered from a severe knee injury during 2012 and missed most of the season.
He finished ninth overall at the Vuelta a Espana 2009 and also claimed the stage 18 victory at the race.
He is looking ahead to continue the season in his best form and is content to stay fit in order to participate in a maximum number of events.
Philip admitted that the main reason behind his dipping performance in the previous seasons was because he rushed into the recovery process.
He told Cyclingnews, "In 2010 I had a knee injury at the start of the year so I missed four to five weeks extra off the bike, so I tried to rush back a bit too quick, and I think I overdid it. I started getting sick every two to three weeks”.
The 28-year-old is now ready to ride his eighth professional season with the American squad.
He started the cycling journey with Team AG2R Prevoyance in 2005 and stayed with the team for four years.
Deignan rode for Cervelo Test Team from 2009 to 2010 and represented Team RadioShack in 2011.
He was not selected in the final squad after Johan Bruyneel announced the merger of his side with Team Nissan Trek, to form RadioShack-Nissan.
Philip participated in a total number of six Grand Tours, with three Giro d’ Italia and three Vuelta a Espana appearances to his credit.
His new team is more interested to participate at the European races, including Amgen Tour of California and USA Pro Challenge in Colorado.
The team’s participation in the non-World Tour events means that Philip can also race as a leader and not only as a domestique (helper).
He briefed, "It will be pretty tough opposition, really. I learned a lot from those guys last year, and it was a great experience, especially with Levi leading the race in Utah and Colorado, and riding for them”.
The cyclist will start the new season at the Volta ao Algarve and his racing plans will have him moving between Europe and USA.
The cyclist has decided to keep his home base in Ireland, which will give him some time to relax with family and friends.
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