Team RadioShack’s Tiago Machado will start the second Grand Tour of his career when he lines up for the Vuelta a España on the 20th August. Earlier this year the Portuguese rider rode the Giro d’Italia and while the team were hopeful of a top ten finish, it was a hard learning curve for Machado as he finished in twentieth place on the general classification.
“Yes, I am glad but not satisfied because I know that at the Giro, I could have done a better performance. And of course, I still need a victory this year,” Machado told VeloNation, speaking about his second year in the professional ranks.
“About the Vuelta I can say that I'm eager to ride, I feel fine physically and psychologically. I'll try to correspond to what will be required from the team's directors.”
After a disappointing Tour de France where three of the team’s leaders crashed out of the race, Team RadioShack will be heading to the Vuelta with serious overall victory intentions. Machado is likely to be the dark horse among team captains Jani Brajkovic and Andreas Klöden.
The 25 year old was a surprise signing to the ProTeam level last year, when Team RadioShack manager Johan Bruyneel snatched him from the smaller Madeinox – Boavista continental team. He quickly impressed, though, when he won the individual time trial in the Circuit Cycliste Sarthe and went on to finish in the top ten of nearly every stage race he started.
“When I left Portugal, the competitive level was already elevated, a little less than the one for the ProTour, but I was lucky to go to a great team, with new training methods, has helped me to evolve a lot. Therefore I've had adapted well to the ProTour requirements,” Machado said.
His future is still undecided as his contract runs out at the end of the year. Even though victory has eluded him so far this season, strong performances in Volta ao Algarve (sixth), Critérium International (fifth) as well as a ninth place finish in the final time trial in the Giro d’Italia will go a long way in securing his future.
“My contract ends at the end of this season, but about my future I cannot advance anything because I am not the right person to do it. In the right time everything will be settled.”