"Riders like Remco are the ones who can stand up to them" - Mikel Landa believes very few can match Jonas Vingegaard and Tadej Pogacar in the current peloton

Mikel Landa is in Calpe training with Soudal - Quick-Step, where we have already seen him training with his new teammate Remco Evenepoel. The Spaniard faces a new challenge in his career as the Belgian's luxury teammate, with the Tour de France as his main goal for the 2024 season.

In an interview with Nacho Labarga, partner of Marca, the former Bahrain-Victorious rider reviewed his signing with Patrick Lefevere's team, talks about his past and what he expects from this exciting new campaign.

REMCO EVENEPOEL

"In general there is a good atmosphere. With him I'm trying to get to know him better, off the bike. He's a normal guy, with a lot of pressure and ambition. But, deep down, a normal person. He's very impulsive, for better or worse he doesn't hide. When he gets angry, it seems that he gets angry".

QUICK-STEP SIGNING

"Both Patrick and he (Remco, ed.) were interested. The first contact was from Patrick, but then he called me. They made a good impression on me. The call from both of them encouraged me to take the step. It was between the Tour and the Vuelta.

OBJECTIVES

"I have things pretty clear. I want to bring everything I've learned. I want to help Remco win a Grand Tour and also have my own ambition. I want to enjoy La Vuelta again."

FAR FROM VINGEGAARD AND POGACAR'S LEVEL.

"It's clear that they are a level above. Vingegaard's level this year in the mountains and time trial has been impressive. Pogacar we see that he is a more complete rider because he can win Flanders and fight the Tour, which is something you rarely see. Riders like Remco are the ones who can stand up to them, the rest of us are far behind.

CALENDAR

"I'll start in Algarve with Remco, in Catalunya I'll have my chance, in Itzulia and Ardennes with Remco and then Dauphiné or Tour with Remco before looking for my chance in La Vuelta. The [Olympic] Games are very difficult for me. I don't think the route suits me, it doesn't suit me very well. I'll try to be in the World Championships, which I think suits me better".

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM 2024

"This year I hope to keep 'Landismo' alive and still be able to enjoy myself and cycling in general very much."

Article written by Juan Larra.