An interview with Oscar Pereiro

A brilliant year

By Hernan Alvarez Macias

After four successful years at Phonak, Oscar Pereiro has decided to move to an outfit from his own country: Illes Balears. With Francisco Mancebo leaving for Ag2R and just one other leader in Alejandro Valverde, the 28 year-old has the opportunity to be one of the stars.

Illes Balears' Oscar Pereiro has enjoyed a tremendous 2005 season. As well as equalling his tenth place overall at the Tour de France, he added an unforgettable victory on the sixteenth stage to Pau.

He also demonstrated excellent teamwork at the world road championships in Madrid, helping his team-mate Alejandro Valverde to a silver medal. A prologue win at the Tour de Romandie and two more top ten places in ProTour stage races rounded out his best year to date.

I caught up with him while he was resting from a long season in Spain. He was in his hometown in Pontevedra (Galicia). "I'm at home and this year with a little one in the family, my first son," says Pereiro with joy and pride. "The truth is that I have to give him time and enjoy him as much as I can, because in January or February, I will have to leave home."

Click here for the full interview.