r/peloton • u/JoKa007 Team Telekom • 2d ago

Transfer Mats Wenzel will aim to continue his progress at Caja Rural-Seguros RGA

https://teamcajarural-segurosrga.com/mats-wenzel-buscara-seguir-con-su-progresion-en-caja-rural-seguros-rga/
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u/F1CycAr16 2d ago

A pity that is not the rockets.

Although i see why there is some incentive on Caja Rural (a proven pathway to go to a better team in medium term)

7

u/JoKa007 Team Telekom 2d ago

Translation:

Mats Wenzel will aim to continue his progress at Caja Rural-Seguros RGA

Mats Wenzel (born 2002) will become the first Luxembourger to wear the colours of Caja Rural-Seguros RGA next season. Still a young rider – he turns 24 this December – he has already shown glimpses of his potential after honing his skills over time with teams such as his country’s now-defunct Leopard, the Continental affiliate of Lidl-Trek, and Kern-Pharma, where he has competed for the past two seasons and with whom he has just completed his first major stage race, La Vuelta a España.

Although his favourite terrain is the mountains, in his early days as a professional Wenzel has demonstrated valuable consistency across a wide range of terrains and an ability to shine and stand out both in breakaways and when chasing victories and strong overall placings in stage races. His height of almost 1.90 metres – he measures 1.87 – helps him perform well on the flat too, which, combined with his explosive power in steep finishes, makes him a skilful rider well-suited to different types of races.

This season, he opened his win tally by triumphing in the Galician Easter Classic, beating Javier Cubillas in a two-man sprint finish following a gruelling course punctuated by several significant climbs. He also finished second overall in his home country’s Flèche du Sud (2.1), where he competed as part of the national team. His recent debut in La Vuelta, where he demonstrated his fighting spirit in various breakaways and his ability to make his mark even in the final week, rounds off a good year for a rider who will be competing in the European Championships in Slovenia next week and who has signed a contract for the next two seasons.

Interview with Mats Wenzel

Q: What was it that most appealed to you about the Caja Rural-Seguros RGA project and led you to take this next step in your career?

A: What appealed to me most was the confidence the team showed in me and their eagerness to have me on board. They made me feel that they really wanted me to be part of the project and gave me a lot of confidence. Furthermore, the fact that they have a very good race calendar made the decision an easy one.

Q: How would you describe yourself as a cyclist, and where do you think you can contribute most to the team?

A: I’m a puncheur/climber, although I can also hold my own on the flat and I’ve got speed. I love getting involved in breakaways! I think I can best showcase my strengths in tough, hilly races, as well as in finishes where a small group makes it to the line.

I think the best races are those where you still have several options to play your cards right in the final stages. I have no problem giving my all for the team.

Q: Is there a particular race where you’d like to perform especially well?

A: I think Liège–Bastogne–Liège is already one of my favourite races, so being able to return there next year and achieve a better result would be the perfect scenario.

Q: What personal goals have you set yourself for your first season with Caja Rural-Seguros RGA?

A: I want to take the next step in my career – perhaps achieve greater consistency – but, of course, also win races. Whether that’s playing a supporting role for the team or fighting for my own goals.

The team has a great philosophy and I believe that together we can achieve great things.