abraham olano He belongs to the group of former professional cyclists who, after getting off the bike, decided to continue enjoying it, trying to give back to the sport what it had given them and following with interest the performance of the new generations. At 53 years old, the Anoeta works as technical director of Gipuzkoan Cycling Federation and whenever he can, he helps the young cyclists at the school where he was trained, the Oria Cycling School. “Before, others did it for us and now, we do it for others. You need to do a little foundation. Kids and parents thank me and tell me their kids are surprised to see me moving fences or helping out. It’s nice to give a touch of attention, as if you’re saying you’re very good but the first thing is to be human”, explained Olano relaxed in Torres Brothers Kitchen the day of the group presentation KH-7 who objects to Škoda Titan Desert Morocco.
Olano, the only cyclist to become world champion on the road and against the clock, did not hesitate when he received the call from Melcior Mauri to find out if he was interested in returning to the Moroccan desert, in what he fifth foray into the sands, tracks and mountains of Africa. “I will face the Titan with enthusiasm. This is another challenge. I will try to do my best and if a teammate has an accident I will help them”. After four participations in such a special race, Abraham, who prepared for the event riding a road bike and not a mountain bike, is clear that two of the keys to success in this adventure are hydration and knowing if how to regulate strength: “Many times Losing a little time is important to get it later”.
In the race he will meet other well-known ex-professionals on the road such as Zubeldia, ‘Triki’ Beltrán, Chavanel or Miguel Indurain, with whom he “rivaled” vigorously in his time and with whom he did not predict a new rivalry throughout the day. “The competition between the two is part of the past. If I run into Miguel and he has a puncture or he needs something, I have no problem stopping, giving him a hand and whatever is needed. The rivalry then? The important thing is that we know two what we have”. And for Olano, in the Škoda Titan Desert Morocco the most important thing is “togetherness, after the race, gatherings, with people”.
Olano He is outspoken and critical of the culture of success and wearing phrases like wanting is power: “When it comes, they come little by little. Failure is frowned upon and you have to accept it. My best memories are not the victories, but the people I was with along the way, the friendships”. Because of this, he criticizes how quickly young people grow up: “Now the youngest are from cadets and young people with dieticians, trainers, they reach young people and they are already professionals and they can no longer develop because they is going to everyone’s limit. You have to let the kids have their childhood, when they start paying them then they have to show that they are professionals, but until then they can enjoy the sport”.
A way of understanding life and cycling that the Gipuzkoan Cycling Federation tries to instill in its daily work.
Source: La Verdad
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