Tour: The man who signed Mikel Landa for the Bahrain: “This Tour is made for him”

Born in August 1972 in Grantham (England), Rod ellingworth I did not transcend as a professional cyclist, but he trains since he retired in 1997: first in the British Federation and since 2010, in the Team Sky-Ineos. Is now General Manager of Bahrain McLaren. The technician, former ideologist of the team of Froome, I talked to this newspaper about the new project and its leader, Mikel Landa. It was during the team's concentration on Hvar (Croatia) in December. Today they are in Altea (Alicante)

Not everything is as simple as reaching a new team and implement the Sky method, Be the. Surely in 20 years that I have been working in the sport I have contributed things. But I want it to be clear: this is not just something mo. I have some good ideas, but we are a team. That is why we have put together the ways of working. Here each person has to contribute their own to the team. I am going to find things that I have never done and they will suit me. Everything consists in creating together, not only that I bring ideas and are implemented. Each contribute with their own experience, points out.

One of his decisions was sign Mikel Landa, whom I met during the Militancy of Alavs in the Sky (2016-17). The big difference is that, now, he will have the responsibility of a true leader in the big laps. This is what he needed, what he hasn't had in the last teams he has been to. Landa is more mature and prepared for this challenge and we will support him, he assures before analyzing the trajectory and vicissitudes of Spanish. The half measures are not going to him: For me he is one of the best climbers in the world, a natural climber and a potential winner of the Tour. His faculties are clearly adapted to three-week races, because he is able to sustain high level from the beginning to the end.

Ellingworth has spoken with Landa and thinks he knows what he needs. Yes, now you have to know what you need. This new situation is a great challenge for him. I think the route of Next Tour de France is made for l, is the career that suits you best. But he has many things to learn this year and one of them is to be a leader, be it. And then he doesn't hide a doubt: Quin knows if the responsibility is going to be too big. But let's try not to be that way. Leadership is acquired over time, believing in oneself and also in a team that supports you with the same vision as you and the same ambition. Landa is going to feel stronger.

As Landa has always crossed someone from his team on his way to the podiums, the question to his new great boss was forced. Can Landa rely on other signings, such as Wout Poels, the Netherlands that declares its intentions to fight for a big one? Wout has ambitions in the big laps, but they won't be his goal of the year, Ellingworth replies. The only one of our riders with ambition for the Tour in this team is Mikel Landa. That is, it is who has the clearest opportunity.

He also has words for Pello Bilbao, who has also gone to Bahrain-McLaren. I really like it, it's very interesting. I like athletes who ask and he does it often. He is very intelligent, which is fantastic for the staff, says Ellingworth. Make the Landa calendar. It has great potential, it goes well in chrono and mountain … It is very motivating to work with runners like Pello, which we don't know how far they can go. He is a super talent and will have his opportunities. But, for now, be a key help for Landa.

The British little heart and affinity to the Ineos team does not hide in Ellingworth's generous body. It will be wonderful that Landa won the Tour de France, that the second was Bernal and third, Thomas, responds smiling. And, of course, there is missing Chris Froome, seriously injured in June and determined to be who he was again. I admire Chris a lot. He has a very strong character and his ability to recover is very large. It is a phenomenon and I can imagine it returning to the maximum level. He had a very serious incident, but he is working. If you get it, be even bigger. Although Ellingworth can imagine Froome with his fifth Tour this summer, it is clearly not likely. And less having Bernal on his team. Another phenomenon I feel fortunate to have worked with him.

And the reference to Landa's rivals will not be complete without referring to the Jumbo, headed by Dumoulin, Roglicy Kruijswijk. It is a very strong group … But we will go with our best cyclists. I am happy. For years I didn't feel so motivated, the British director adds.