Francisco Javier Aramendía (1986, Caja Rural-Seguros RGA) can see the light at the end of a long tunnel. For two years, at least, he has had problems with his left leg. The Spaniard has been able to ride but has not felt like a cyclist. The 2015 season was especially hard but the Spaniard managed to return to the saddle. Despite the tough challenge, he does not relinquish his efforts and is now learning to ride again.

On December 24, Christmas Eve, Aramendía was diagnosed with endofibrosis of the external iliac artery and he underwent surgery in February. It was a serious procedure as his abdomen was opened to correct the lack of blood supply to his leg which explained his lack of strength. "We knew I had to recover for three months and that the season would start in June-July. I made my debut in late May, eight months after my last race. I was waiting and waiting. But the worst came later: not to be given a clear diagnosis and a pattern of work to follow. The leg still did not work,” he tells BiciCiclismo.

He fears that the problem stems from the distant past. He called the Spanish website after the interview to clarify some details. In 2007, he suffered a serious accident with a tractor, before wearing the orange jersey of Euskaltel-Euskadi. Here his pain started. He got wrong diagnoses, visited specialists of all kinds, got his knee and back check. In the 2014 Tour of Andalusia, it became too much. "I do not want to be a cyclist," he shouted. In March, he underwent surgery for the first time to dilate the artery. "I thought everything was solved and was optimistic. In fact, I improved athletically.” He did a full season and the Vuelta a Espana. But he still suffered. "I got off the bike lame and I realized it was something more serious." The ordeal was far from over.

The torture continued this season, even after the surgery. "In late July, I could not handle it anymore." Again he did more tests to find the reason for the suffering. Fortunately, the best news came in August: the artery was fine, but something was wrong. "I had the same pain as before the operation. In August, I realized that it was related to the abductor muscle,” he said. “Half of the year was cruel due to the uncertainty of the injury. Yes, I thought I could not be a cyclist and the injury could be chronic and that there was no solution.”

He finished the season with only 22 days of competition. And he constantly checked his leg to know the reason for his lack of power. The fog began to dissipate. Since the 2014 Vuelta a Andalucia, his left leg had been weak, with a 28% strength versus 72% for the right leg. The light came when they found the root of the problem. "During all this time, I injured muscles by not working properly and, secondly, the operation to repair the artery created collateral damage. It is like going to the shop, you fix one thing but leave another problems" he joked. "Because of the injury I have lost a lot of muscle and strength in the quadriceps. Now I know what I have to do and I am working. I have to do specific exercises to strengthen the quadriceps, calves and gluteus, and I have corrected my position on the bike, things that can be solved. It has nothing to do with the problem of the artery that is already forgotten. It may sound like a joke but I have to learn how to ride again." 

Aramendia sees the glass as half full. "I have had bad times, but it has not been something dramatic. I have learned that there is more to life than cycling. I want to be a cyclist, yes, but sometimes a rider lives in his bubble, just thinking about his problems. There is a life behind the fences, as a team mechanic says. I realized that whatever happens in life, as a cyclist or not, I have good friends and a family that loves me and that will always be there,” he said.

His priority for 2016 is clear. "I only worry about the sporting level, focus on the preparation and riding and forget about doctors and hospitals. I want to be a cyclist.” He does not lack ambition. “Despite my age, I want to take a step forward and I have to make a leap of quality. I think I can do so because now you can say that I’ve been with a handbrake pulled," he said.

Aramendia will again ride for Caja Rural in 2016. "The team is in the best age, with young riders that progress and mature and get the results. It has been best season ever. The management has learned to give us value and has given a vote of confidence to everyone. Hopefully I can be better in the future and grow with firm steps. They have treated me wonderfully and I will always be grateful,” he concluded.