Two days ago it was announced that Tiago Machado will step down a level from the ProTeam Radioshack to join the pro continental NetApp-Endura in 2014. The Portuguese stage race specialist chose the team as it offered him the best conditions to return to his former level.
On Tuesday it was announced that Tiago Machado has found a new home for the 2014 season after signing a contract with the NetApp-Endura team for 2014. Having been with Radioshack since 2010, he was one of the riders that wasn't part of the plans for the new Trek team and so he chose to step down a level to join the German pro continental team.
When Machado got his chance in the WorldTour in 2010, he was seen as a great stage race talent and immediately delivered on his promises. In his first year, he finished on the podium in Criterium International, Volta ao Algarve and Circuit Cycliste Sarthe and in the top 10 in races like the Tour de Romandie, Tour de Pologne and Tour of Austria.
He continued his strong showing in 2011 when he finished in the top 10 in four major stage races and repeated that feat in 2012. However, his progress seemed to have stalled and this year his results never reached the same heights . As a consequence, he was often left in a domestique role instead of getting his own chance in the major stage races.
When he signed with NetApp-Endura, manager Ralph Denk made it clear that he expected his new rider to lead the team in the stage races and Machado shares that hope. On his Facebook page, the Portuguese stresses that he hopes to return to his best in the coming season.
"I chose NetApp from the teams that had shows interest! I think it was the best choice for me and the people I work with as we believe that project will offer me the best conditions to return to the "best Tiago Machado" in 2014."
Despite not getting the chance on the new Trek team, he has no bad feelings towards his current employer.
"A simple "THANK YOU" would be too little to express what my four years with Radioshack have meant to me. I am no sad or hurt. I am just happy to have been able to spend so much time with the friends I left there."
"I hope my best of 2013 will be the worst of 2014. I can only give my usual promise: to give my utmost."
Machado will be the second Portuguese on the NetApp team which already has Jose Mendes in its ranks.
30.03: The Bueng Si Fai |
30.03: Gran Premio Miguel Indurain |
30.03: Volta Limburg Classic |
31.03: Ronde van Vlaanderen |
31.03: Ronde van Vlaanderen |
29.03 - 01.04: Ster van Zuid Limburg |
01.04: Gran Premio del Perdono |
01.04: Ronde de Mouscron |
01.04: Giro del Belvedere |
02.04: G.P. Palio del Recioto |
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