Marc Brustenga (Santa Eulàlia de Ronçana, 1999) He experienced firsthand how difficult a cyclist’s life can be when health is not good. The Catalan, who underwent hip surgery in October, is overflowing with enthusiasm for the new phase that has just begun and is confident of reaching his best version with the Kern Pharma Team to meet the common goals.
How would you rate your career as a professional to date? Is this what you expected?
In the first two years I had more shortcomings than expected. These are the things you always think are happening to others until it’s your turn. I have to admit, I expected my performance to be better, but on the other hand, I’m happy with what I did and learned because I gave it my all. Since then, luck and health have not been on my side…but I’ve learned a lot because more complex situations and personal struggles are when you really learn.
What did the Kern Pharma Team convey to you in the first training camp of the season?
They gave me peace of mind and didn’t care what I was. I noticed the feeling of family. In the end this is what we are talking about, the main goal is to regain confidence in myself to go to the races and feel competitive, help the team and later compete and reach where we are going. I want to get back into a career and feel like I can contribute to be at the level we believe I can reach.
How are you feeling this early in the preseason?
My preseason started the day after the surgery. At first I focused more on mobility exercises and later I started doing gym sessions to recover all the muscles and all the decompensations that occurred as a result of the injury. Two or three weeks ago I started cycling, increasing the intensity in the gym and introducing a little swimming, which was recommended to me to take better care of my hips. Because it’s an arthroscopy, it’s not a very complicated recovery and if you do things well you’ll see evolution and progress even if you have small ups and downs, but so far it’s great, everything is perfect.
Were you well received by your new colleagues? These days it seems like you’ve been together your whole life…
Yes, the truth is that we all felt comfortable. I used to meet some Catalan cyclists in the school categories, with Kiko Galván for example I was in the same mountain bike team and with Pau Miquel I met later in the cadets. We had a wonderful week, with a good atmosphere and having a good time, which in the end is what matters.
How do you see Team Kern Pharma for next season?
We have a well compensated group that can do very well throughout the year. We have seen how the team has chosen to strengthen some areas where there may be a lack of riders who can compete in races. So if the fastest cyclist offers the expected performance, I think the team will be stronger in that aspect. Seeing where cycling is evolving, I think the right thing has been done.
As a runner, what would you say are your strengths and in what aspects do you think you have more room for improvement?
In my three years as an under-23 player in the French calendar I learned a lot. I will tell you that one of my strong points is the type of race in France that gets tough as you go through hills and climbs. I want to be a little more complete but without losing the maximum speed, that is, to overcome a little better mount to open the range of options more. Of course, I can also improve the mass arrivals themselves. It’s a learning that never stops and with every sprint you learn something new, I want to learn everything I can to become a better cyclist every day.
Where do you want to stand?
Once I reach the goal of getting back to the level I want to be at and I can compete, I want to win, which all cyclists want. If I had to tell you a specific race… well, for me it was very special to get a stage at the Volta a Catalunya, although I knew it would be complicated.
What does Marc Brustenga ask of you in 2024?
Health. I am asking for health for everyone because I have proven over the years that without health everything is impossible.
Source: La Verdad
I’m Robert Maynard, and I am a passionate journalist with experience in sports writing. For the last few years, I have been writing for Today Times Live. My main focus has been on sports-related stories and features. With my strong background in journalism and extensive knowledge of the industry, I am able to provide readers with well-crafted pieces that are both informative and engaging.
