The captain of the small Spanish, Xacobeo Galicia team, Ezequiel Mosquera, has not finished outside of the top five in the Vuelta a Espana over the past three seasons (5th, 5th, 4th). Unfortunately, up to this point, the 34 year old has not been able to quite crack a spot on the podium, or win a stage. He hopes to get that monkey off of his back by the end of September.
Mosquera hopes to "improve on the outcome of last year, but I realize that it won't be easy, because there will be a high level. After coming close to the podium several times in the past years, to climb on the podium in Madrid would be a huge honor."
The brilliant climber isn't heading into the Vuelta with heart and mind completely at ease though. His beloved Galician team's future looks decidedly uncertain, and though manager Alvaro Pino has assured the continuity of the team, it doesn't look terribly promising at the moment. Mosquera admits that it has bothered him all season.
"I've been living with this concern all year, and for me it is uncomfortable and unfair, because it is likely that I can keep on racing next year, but for my teammates, it might not be the same," said the 3rd overall finisher at this year's Vuelta a Castilla y Leon in a candid chat with Marca.
In a compelling display of concern for the teammates who will support him in his quest for the podium, Mosquera admits that it will be a difficult balancing act if the team's future remains uncertain as the Vuelta begins. On the one hand, he hopes that he'll have the support of his team, but if his teammates sacrifice themselves for his sake, they'll also be sacrificing opportunities to proudly display their wares to potential new suitors.
"Although I know that everyone will give everything, the situation is grossly unfair, because for many of them, if they put all their energy into working for the team, they won't be able to show off what they can do, and so it will be much more difficult for other teams to notice them."
Mosquera is hoping for the best and recognizes the optimism coming from team management, but also knows that times are tough.
"The leaders of the team are optimistic, but we know that the economic situation is difficult. Personally, I would like everything to be clarified before the start of the Vuelta, so that we can all be focused solely on the race."
There's still just a little over a week remaining ahead of the Vuelta, perhaps news will be forthcoming about the team's future before the team time trial in Sevilla on August 28th.
When it comes to the race itself, Mosquera sees two riders as the top favorites, along with another he feels will surprise.
"For me, Nibali and Menchov are two clear contenders for overall victory, although I also believe that Igor Anton, of whom few people speak of, may also be in for the fight for the overall. Personally, he is one of the riders that I have more respect for, because when the road climbs, he is always very strong."
Of course, it wouldn't be a Vuelta prediction without mention of Frank Schleck, but Mosquera only seems to consider him in passing.
"Another favorite is Frank Schleck. He'll come to the race with a bone to pick following his crash at the Tour. He'll also have the support of his brother Andy, but I do not think that Andy will be fighting for the overall."
Like the last three years, Mosquera's build-up to his season highlight has been slow, quiet, and seemingly right on target. His recent 2nd overall finish at the Vuelta a Burgos was a sign that his form is spot on heading into the race that matters above all others to both Mosquera and his Galician team of underdogs.