"Winning again in 2026 is the main goal" - World Tour veteran takes a step down to renew career

Jesús Herrada is a rider that has been around the top teams for a very long time already, having made his pro debut in 2011 with Movistar, and ever since having ridden either with the Spanish team, or Cofidis since 2018 - all but two years at World Tour level. He has won plenty times including three times at the Vuelta a España, but at 35 years of age and in an ever-developing peloton it becomes more complicated. Hence, his move to Burgos Burpellet BH into the 2026 season is an attempt to get back to his winning ways.

"I was looking for a change of scenery. I'd been with Cofidis for quite a few seasons and needed something different to renew my motivation and enthusiasm," Herrada said in words to Marca. "I think that at Burgos Burpellet BH, with its close-knit, family-like atmosphere, I found exactly what I was looking for". It is the first time Herrada will race for a Spanish ProTeam, and currently there are several which could've had the interest in him. However he chose Burgos, where he will join other climbers such as Sergio Chumil and Merhawi Kudus next year.

His last victory was also perhaps his most notable, back in the 2023 Vuelta a España, where he beat an emerging Romain Grégoire in a summit finish at La Laguna Negra. "Yes, winning again in 2026 is the main goal. Of course, it would be a dream to do it at La Vuelta, but I'd be happy to win any race. Victories are becoming increasingly hard to come by, especially in WorldTour events".

Herrada, like most of the Cofidis team, has struggled to perform over the past two seasons, and the veteran has neither been able to take a win or leave a mark throughout the seasons. The former Mont Ventoux Challenge and Crtierium du Dauphiné stage winner is eager to get back to his winning ways, and add to the 21-victory palmarès he's built over the last decade and a half.

And in a more modest calendar, he just might. "Last year I came close to winning several races and had quite a few top-twenty finishes. By choosing the right race calendar, we can be in many top-ten finishes and compete in some races. The Spanish Championships are always motivating, as is La Vuelta, and other races like the Tour of Oman could suit me very well".

Finding a contract was also not assured, specially as several teams disappear from the peloton this year and many are still looking for a contract. "It's true that I experienced a lot of uncertainty right up until the last minute. It's been one of the worst years for the peloton due to the disappearance of several teams, and that has left many riders still without a place for 2026. In that sense, you have to feel fortunate".

Regarding his first thoughts with his new team, they are positive and he's already gotten to know his new teammates. "Yes, absolutely. It was a three-day training camp in Burgos, and although I already knew some of my teammates, these kinds of get-togethers are essential. We did group activities that are very helpful, especially for the new riders to integrate and get to know the whole team".

"I think they already had a great season in 2025. It's difficult to be among the top thirty teams in the world. For my part, I'll contribute everything I can, especially to the younger riders, both on and off the bike".

His ultimate goals for 2026 are quite simple, as he looks to return to the level he previously had: "As I said, I want to get back to my best form, do well in the general classification in some races, and fight for a victory. And when I'm not in contention, I'll help my teammates in any way I can".

But he admits that in the current peloton it is difficult, and although he won at La Vuelta as recently as two years ago, in this space of time there's been even more imprvements. "The peloton is becoming increasingly competitive. Young riders start training and taking care of themselves like professionals very early on; many go straight from the junior ranks. In that sense, I have to take advantage of my experience, know when to be present, and which races best suit my strengths".

"I don't feel like I have anything left to prove. I want to continue because I enjoy cycling and I still see myself as competitive in certain races. As I said, it would be great to raise my arms in victory again," he concluded. "And as for my legacy, I try to do my job as well as possible, always learn, maintain my enthusiasm, do things with humility, and be a good person on and off the bike. That would be the best legacy".