Born in August 1972 in Grantham (England), Rod Ellingworth did not transcend as a professional cyclist, but he trains since retiring in 1997: first in the British Federation and since 2010, in Team Sky-Ineos . He is now CEO of Bahrain McLaren . The technician, former ideologist of the Froome team, spoke with this newspaper about the new project and its leader, Mikel Landa . It was during the team's concentration in Hvar (Croatia) in December. Today they are in Altea (Alicante)
"Not everything is as simple as reaching a new team and implementing the Sky method ," he says. «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 my thing. I have some good ideas, but we are a team. That is why we have shared 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 one will contribute with his own experience », he points out.
One of his decisions was to sign Mikel Landa , whom he met during the Alava militancy 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 are going to support him, ”he says 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 capable of sustaining a high level from start to finish ».
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 tour of the next Tour de France is made for him , it is the race that suits him best. But he has many things to learn this year and one of them is to be a leader, ”he says. And then he does not hide a doubt: «Who knows if the responsibility is going to be too big. But let's try not to do so. 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 Dutchman who declares his intentions to fight for a big one? "Wout has ambitions in the big laps, but they won't be his goal of the year," replies Ellingworth. «The only one of our runners with ambition for the Tour in this team is Mikel Landa. That is to say, it is who has the clearest opportunity ».
He also has words for Pello Bilbao, who has also gone to Bahrain-McLaren. «I like it very much, it is very interesting. I like athletes who ask and he does it often. He is very intelligent, which is fantastic for the staff, ”says Ellingworth. «Will make the calendar of Landa. It has great potential, it goes well in chrono and in the mountains ... It is very motivating to work with runners like Pello, who do not know how far they can go. He is a super talent and will have his opportunities. But, for now, it will be a key help for Landa ».
The British little heart and akin to the Ineos team does not hide in Ellingworth's generous body. "It would be wonderful if Landa won the Tour de France, that the second was Bernal and third, Thomas," he replies 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 great. It is a phenomenon and I can imagine it returning to the highest level. He had a very serious incident, but he is working. If he succeeds, it will 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 would not be complete without referring to the Jumbo, headed by Dumoulin, Roglicy Kruijswijk. «It's a very strong group ... But we will go with our best cyclists. I am happy. I had not felt so motivated for years, ”adds the British director.
According to the criteria of The Trust Project
Know more- cycling
Cycling from Nibali to Landa: the 'Sky' transition from Bahrain McLaren
Cycling away Valverde, the grandfather craves the Tokyo Olympic scepter
Cycling Start the new Movistar: everything for Enric Mas, gallons for Soler and Tokyo 2020 for Valverde