By Antonio J. Salmerón
The new Cérvelo Test team squad, led by the reigning champion of the Tour de France Carlos Sastre, is adding more Spanish cycling talent to its roster. José Ángel Gómez Marchante is leaving the team of Joxean Fernández Matxin after five seasons to join the newly-formed Cérvelo squad.
"I had the contract for one more year with the team of Mauro Gianetti and Matxin, but then the possibility of leaving for Cérvelo emerged. After having consulted about whether there would be any problem with breaking my contract, I signed with Cérvelo," Gomez Marchante told Cyclingnews on Sunday.
The 28-year-old Spanish climber offered words of praise for Sastre, the leader of his new team. "Sastre enabled me to sign with Cérvelo. For me, it is a big opportunity to be racing next to the last winner of the Tour de France. A great rider like Sastre will allow me to continue to gain experience and learn from him. I think it was about time for a change of scenery, and I expect that to happen."
Marchante has not yet had the opportunity to hear the opinion of his former director Joxean Fernández Matxin. "I have not called him nor has he called me. There will be time to talk. I hope he will accept my decision. I had contacts with Cérvelo before I knew whether Gianetti and Matxin would be able to continue their team." His old team's future was in question after both Scott and American Beef declined to continue sponsorship into 2009; however, the team announced earlier this week that it would become the Fuji-Servetto team.
Gomez Marchante was also optimistic that his health problems are now under control. "Last week I had an operation to address two problems: a fistula and a few hemorrhoids. After being weighed down for a long time by health issues, my results should soon improve."
The Spaniard will be present at the Cérvelo team's gathering set for this coming week.
