Equipo Kern Pharma had an absolutely explosive Vuelta a España; Pablo Castrillo and
Urko Berrade impressed above imagination with three stage wins for the Spanish Pro Team. Both were highly aimed to join Movistar team, and whilst Castrillo is likely to, the team has managed to renew the latter who may become the team's new sole leader.
There was speculation about a possible signing with Movistar Team when it was taken for granted that Castrillo would go to INEOS, although it remained just that, a mere rumour. Great movement in the cycling market of a Kern Pharma that sends a message to Javier Guillén for next year: 'we want to repeat'. Berrade won stage 18 of the Vuelta from the breakaway on a hilly day but perhaps his most impressive ride was stage 20 where, on a day with 5000 meters of climbing, he rode head-to-head with the likes of Primoz Roglic, Enric Mas and the other GC contenders to finish fifth on the day.
"The renewal of Urko Berrade is the triumph of a team philosophy, just as the victory in La Vuelta is a reflection of what we are and what we want to be", comments with satisfaction the leader of the project Juanjo Oroz. "It is hope for grassroots sport, the example of those who complete stages step by step until they reach the top. The result is not immediate: working well, having faith and knowing how to wait for your moment makes you succeed. Urko embodies all that and it is especially satisfying for us".
"Urko offers us the possibility of racing at the highest level with guarantee. He comes from a very solid career and now come his best years. Urko has grown with us and we will continue to grow together," concluded Oroz.
Berrade, delighted to continue one more year in the team where he has become great: "It has been a pleasure to grow along with the team, a hard road but we have enjoyed it, keeping the essence. And now, when I have managed to give my best version, it has been at the same time as the whole Kern Pharma Team. A special bond with which we will continue working to improve and go further. Now we look to the future with optimism and ambition. We have achieved a lot, but we are not going to be satisfied. The best is yet to come".
