Although results have been a little on the lean side the past few seasons, Oscar Sevilla is still one of the top Spanish riders in the pro peloton. His performances are always followed by plenty of fans eager to watch him climb the hardest stages, but after a serious back problem following the 2003 world's road race in Hamilton, Sevilla has spent much of the last two years on the mend. His training and racing has been disrupted, but he's confident he'll make a full recovery. In 2006, it's time for new beginnings; now a married man and with a new season on the horizon, Cyclingnews' Hernan Alvarez caught up with Sevilla at home after some demanding training in the Austrian Alps.
Oscar Sevilla: I've improved a lot from 2004 - after the crash at Hamilton world's [in 2003], 2004 wasn't as I would've liked it to be. 2005 has been better; this year I finished seventh in the Vuelta a España, I rode a good Tour de France for my team, but personally I think I can go for more. I believe I can return to 100 per cent fitness and become the type of rider I was.
CN: We saw you were there up the front with some big names on the mountainous stages of the Vuelta. You were seventh - you would've enjoyed a stage win, right?
OS: Yes, I lacked that win to finish the race as I'd have liked. But, as I tell you, I'm taking it little by little. I especially need to improve my pedaling. My left leg is weaker and I lacked that final sprint. In the Vuelta I found that motivation I needed to put myself up with the leaders in the mountains, but maybe I lacked a victory. I could have had a little more confidence too - like it or not, you lose confidence [when you're injured] and the Vuelta helped me to see that I am at the front and that I'm able to stay there. I know what I've been through, and I believe and hope when I'm fully recovered I can fight for the top places.
