Former world under 23 champion Dmytro Grabovskyy took his first international placing of note in quite some time when he galloped to third place on today’s third stage of the Tour de Langkawi.
The Ukrainian ISD-Neri rider finished behind double stage-winner Michael Matthews (Team Jayco-Skins) and Alex Candelario (Kelly Benefit Strategies) at the end of the stage to Mersing, having told Velonation prior to the start that he was back in good condition this season.
“I feel good here. It is a nice race. There is sun and a good atmosphere,” he said. “This year is very important for me. I am training so much – I have been training in December, January, February, doing a lot, more than before. I am training 200 kilometres in the day.”
In January, the Ukrainian revealed to the Gazetto dello Sport that he had battled a drinking problem, turning to the bottle after he became bored and depressed while with the Quick Step team. He admitted that he almost died twice due to alcohol poisoning.
Jump back to 2006, however, and Grabovskyy had appeared to be on course for a very impressive pro career. The multiple European championship road and track winner started the season as the under 23 world champion, and finished a very close second overall in the Baby Giro, winning a stage.
He began a trial with the Quick Step team halfway through the season and secured a two year deal. However he failed to perform there, and also had a rather anonymous first year last season with the ISD team.
That left his career up in the air, but ISD-Neri decided to give him one more chance for 2010. He is determined to make the most of it. “I have changed my mentality this year because I want to return to my top level. Things are fine here on the team and I am motivated.”
At this early point of the season, it appears that he has been working hard. Apart from today’s third place, he is also a fine ninth overall in the Tour de Langkawi. His plan is to use that form to help Jose Rujano, though, rather than riding for himself.
“For this race, I have a leader, Rujano. I want to give help to him. He is in good condition. After that, I will go to Milan San Remo. This year I want to do as well as possible there, to do my maximum. Then later on I will ride the Giro. That is important for me and for the team. I have a good opportunity this season and I want to try to do something. In the Giro, I want to go for a stage, and also to help the team.”
Grabovskyy is still only 24 years of age and has time on his side, providing he knuckles down this season. Today’s performance is a very good start; he’s likely to have been motivated by the result and could well try again before the 2.HC race ends on Sunday.