"It was kind of my fault, kind of theirs, and then suddenly it was over" - Caleb Ewan on parting ways with Lotto Dstny

Five years ago, Caleb Ewan left then Michelton Scott team to begin his European adventure with Lotto Dstny. This collaboration can be considered more or less successul with nine Grand Tour stages to the Australian's name. Speaking to WielerFlits, he now outlines what it is like to be back home in the now called Team Jayco AlUla.

"When I left the team, there was more and more focus on riding classifications. While now I see the team more as it was when I first knew them. More focus on the sprints and classics, which creates opportunities in other races. I have the impression that the goals have changed fundamentally."

Yet the Australian immediately felt at home again. "Of course not all riders are the same anymore. I still recognize some faces, of course, but there are also some new ones. Half the staff is still there. But I also see a lot of faces I know, so it feels good to be back in the team."

"If I look back on my time at Lotto in general, I can only say that I had a good time. I won five Tour stages and four Giro stages. I actually won all my big wins in that team. The ending was of course not as positive as the three previous years, but perhaps that is also part of leaving a team. It doesn't leave a sour aftertaste for me."

"I wasn't riding well. Or yes, not as good as I did before. They have lost some confidence in me. From that moment on it just started going downhill. It is extra difficult to perform if your team does not have confidence in you. It was kind of my fault, kind of theirs. And then suddenly it was over."