"When the hammer drops, they go very fast": Spanish rookie reflects on intense professional debut

Javi Cubillas completed his first race day alongside the professional peloton on Friday, debuting at the Classica Camp de Morvedre. The young Movistar Team rider, who notably declined an approach from UAE Team Emirates last year, didn't have an easy debut in Spain.

"It is impressive how they race, because it is very different," Cubillas told MARCA after the finish. "When the hammer drops, they go very fast."

Cubillas noted that the intensity increased significantly with 20 kilometers remaining, leaving no room for error. "We tried to carry something forward, to hold on well. The speed went up to the limit until the finish line," he explained. "There is no warning."

Despite the shock to the system, Cubillas executed his role for the team, working to position his teammate Jon Barrenetxea before the decisive moments. "I was there before reaching the finish, I tried to take them forward, and then in the final zone it was others who were at the front," he said. He added that while the wind was "annoying," it was not strong enough to cause echelons.

Despite the physical demands of his debut, the Spaniard was encouraged by his physical condition. "Very good. I am very happy with the pre-season and I think that little by little we will continue to progress," he stated.

He also highlighted the support provided by the veteran riders to the team's newcomers. "They help us a lot. Me and Ibai Villate [also in the Movistar devo team]. They explain everything to us and that makes it quite easy."

With the first test out of the way, Cubillas has a clear roadmap for his rookie season. "The goal of the year will be the Giro Next Gen and the Tour de l'Avenir. Now it's time to continue training to arrive at peak form."