Oier Lazkano has given the promise in the past and in this start of the season he's delivering with results. The Spanish champion has taken a spectacular win at the Clásica Jaén Paraiso Interior, and has been asked many questions regarding his contract and also the future of Spanish cycling.
"I think there has been a change of chip. I think the good atmosphere is what brings good results. We have changed the performance. New trainers and nutritionists have come," Lazkano said in an interview with Marca. "This, together with the great atmosphere we experienced in the previous Calpe training camp, I think which is what makes us all join together.... I see myself more doing classics, but I can also fight for some stages in both races."
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The 24-year old has performed both uphill and in the cobbles last year, and focuses on the cobbled classics this spring. He goes in already with confidence and should have a leadership position. "Last year I already finished second in Dwars door Vlaanderen. I'm preparing the classic season here at altitude. Both last year's result and the steps forward we have taken this year I think will help me there in Belgium. I don't know if I can win, but I'm sure I can get some good results."
He is also in contract year, and his response to whether he will renew or not is interesting: "To tell you the truth, I don't get involved in this nor do I want to get involved. I pay an agent and that's what he's there for, to manage these types of situations," he replies. "That Chente (José Vicente García, ed.) wants to renew me? We get along well. We read the race well. I think my victories have been with him. I'm happy here."
Movistar is having a controlled start to the season, with Enric Mas saving his bullets and reducing his schedule in order to prioritize big events. "Quintana's return is good news, he has experience and contributes to the team. We have a lot of confidence with Enric [Mas]. We are sure that he will do very well."
Lazkano complemented his compatriots Carlos Rodríguez and Juan Ayuso who are rising through the ranks and may be future Grand Tour winners, and believes they may in some years fight against the likes of Tadej Pogacar and Jonas Vingegaard. "They are in another league, but here we are showing that a new generation is emerging in Spanish cycling and that is bearing fruit,"