Strong time trial rider looks to develop career with Spanish squad
A consistent performance all season has netted Jonathan Castroviejo a contract with the Movistar team for next season. Castroviejo yesterday confirmed his time trial prowess when he placed eleventh in the world individual time trial championships amongst a star studded line up, finishing ahead of riders such as Gustav Larsson, Svein Tuft and Janez Brajkovic.
Moreover, the 24 year old boats two victories this year, both coming in the race against the clock. He won the opening prologue in the Tour de Romandie and Vuelta Ciclista a la Comunidad de Madrid.
Castroviejo currently rides for Euskaltel-Euskadi, which he joined last season. His potential became evident in 2009 when he won a stage of the Tour de l’Avenir and finished second overall behind Tejay van Garderen in the tough Circuito Montañés.
He has successfully translated those results to the elite ranks and finished second in the Spanish national time trial championships this year, behind Luis León Sánchez and ahead of Alberto Contador.
Team manager Euseio Unzué was keen on the Spaniard’s services and has secured him on a three year contract. He is the fourth new member to join Movistar next year after Javi Moreno, José Herrada (both Caja Rural) and Italian champion Giovanni Visconti (Farnese-Neri).
Movistar has had a turbulent year, achieving success on the bike by winning stages in all three Grand Tours, but the team was hit hard earlier this year when it learnt of the death of leader Xavier Tondo to a freak accident.
Furthermore Mauricio Soler won stage two of the Tour de Suisse but later in the race collided with a spectator and has been hospitalised ever since. It is still unclear whether the Colombian will be able to continue a life as a professional cyclist, but it seems unlikely.