Former Footon-Servetto rider admits time is running out
Enrique Mata is currently looking for a new team, after his Footon-Servetto squad decided to not offer him a new contract. The 25 year-old spent one year with the Spanish ProTour team. After a year plagued by knee problems, Mata’s chances look slim, since it is already December. The young Spaniard tries to stay upbeat about it.
With many teams already having their first camps, the future for Mata isn’t looking too bright. “I see it as difficult, but I am not losing hope. However, we are in December and time is running out,” he said in an interview to ciclistayciclismo.
Despite his difficulties, Mata won’t make compromises. He is unwilling to switch back to an amateur team, such as his former Burgos outfit. “I only want to continue in a Professional Continental team,” he said. Mata won’t continue riding at all costs. “Cycling isn’t everything in life, at least not for me.”
Mata said that each year it becomes harder to find a new team. He had hoped for an extension at Footon-Servetto. “I think I had a good year, not being at 100 percent, because I had some problems with my knee. These problems are resolved now.” Mata had 15 top-ten finishes in 2010.
Like others who were let go by the team, Mata found out via a written notice. “They communicated it to me during the Vuelta a España.” He would have preferred to find out sooner. “It was late. I also thought they would renew my contract. I don’t think I did such a bad year, my first in the ProTour.” Mata had to sit out two months due to his injury. “I was eighth in the Vattenfall Cyclassics in Hamburg, which is ProTour.”
Mata drew a positive conclusion form his first year in the ProTour, which may also be his last. “I think I could have done better without the injury, but even so I am really content.” Mata rode the Vuelta a España all the way to Madrid. There was one regret for the youngster. “I couldn’t do the spring classics, where I was scheduled to ride. But it was when I had those [health] problems.”
Mata would like to stay professional, but if it doesn’t work out, he will find something else to do. “I will let go of the bike racing. I may try to find some work or lend a hand to my dad in his winery, or in the restaurant that my family has. There will be something to do,” he said.
Even when he stops racing, Mata will continue to ride his bike, for pleasure. “My dad is the first to support me and he wants me to continue to ride.”