Arguably the most hyped neo-pro this season, Caleb Ewan, will most likely follow a confidence-building schedule in 2015 instead of clashing with the titans in hectic Grand Tour stages, wisely groomed by his Orica-GreenEDGE team. There are no doubts, though, that the 20-year old sprinter will mix it up with the best rather sooner than later, and that there is no better outfit for a neo-pro to race in than the Australian WorldTour squad.
Experiences in grooming young talents into their future greatness, Orica-GreenEDGE principal Shane Bannan admitted that they will be very cautious in putting any pressure on Ewan in coming months, as they are confident enough about his ability to handle such situation. This probably means that the 20-year old sprinter will follow the Arnaud Demare-like schedule in 2015, but an early Grand Tour debut is not completely ruled out.
"He is competitive enough, so we want to take pressure away, not add to it," Bannan said in the interview for Australian Herald Sun.
"He is meticulous in his preparation, really confident and easy to work with," Orica-GreenEDGE boss continued praising one of his extremely talented young riders.
Ewan narrowly missed out on sweeping the recently concluded Bay Classic Criterium clean, eventually forced to settle for three stage wins and overall victory in the event. The 20-year old sprinter admitted that it is hard to find another WorldTour squad providing young riders with similar degree of support.
"I love it. Not many teams take on a neo-pro and ride for him straight away," Ewan said.
"You usually have to prove yourself and at the end of a two-year contract if they're happy with you, you might be able to stay. "The guys respect me and I respect them. It's such a good environment to be in."
When it comes to his long-term ambitions, Ewan has no other dreams than any other rider kicking off his professional career. Tour de France, it is.
"Like all young riders I want to go to the Tour and do well but there is a long way to go and a lot of hard work to do," he said.
"I am willing to do it."
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