Spaniard Ricardo Serrano González confirmed to Cyclingnews his signing of a new, one-year contract with GM Bikes, the former Scott-American Beef team headed by Joxean Fernández Matxin. He had been rumored to be joining the Maxtin's team.
The 30-year-old Serrano, who hails from Valladolid, penned the deal Wednesday after two years with the Italian-Russian team Tinkoff. 2008 was a trying season for Serrano, who suffered ongoing problems with his Achilles tendon. He then broke his collarbone in the Vuelta a España, a race where he was hoping to put in a performance that would help him extend his contract with the soon-to-be Katusha squad.
"After the Vuelta, they [Team Tinkoff] told me that they would extend my contract, that there were three free places on the team, but they did not call me. They didn't even tell me that they wouldn't extend my contact. I waited and waited, and it was difficult for me, because I didn't know if I would have a team for 2009."
"Even today, I've had no notice from Tinkoff," said Serrano, a bit surprised by the behaviour from his former team.
Serrano's career began in 2003 when he turned professional with the Cafés Baque team. In 2005 and 2006, he raced with the Kaiku team before moving to Tinkoff. GM Bikes will be his first Pro Tour team.
"I won't worry about that," he said. "I go about every race with the same motivation, and with Tinkoff, I already participated in ProTour races. I will get more experience, and I am motivated. I want to give my best, of course," said a happy Serrano, optimistic about his future prospects.
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