Mikel Nieve

Rider Profilo

Arrivato al Team Sky, nel 2014, per rafforzare la squadra nelle corse a tappe, Mikel Nieve porta doti da buon scalatore e una notevole esperienza nei GT. Nieve è passato professionista nel 2009 e ha preso parte a 6 grandi gare a tappe, completandone 3 nella Top 10 in Classifica Generale. Specialista in questo tipo di corse, ha conquistato un successo di tappa alla Vuelta 2010 e al Giro d’Italia 2011. Capace di guidare i propri compagni di squadra e di mettersi anche in proprio, Nieve è giunto al 3° posto in occasione della tappa del Mont Ventoux vinta da Chris Froome nell’ultimo Tour de France, terminato dal basco al 13° posto finale.

Who inspired you to start cycling?

Miguel Indurain. When he was winning Tours all the kids starting riding bikes.

First bike:

I can’t remember the type.

First cycling club:

My village club Aizan K.E.

Childhood hero:

Indurain. He was not only a cycling hero, but a local hero.

What do you love most about cycling?

I like to get better every day, and the fact you can set yourself goals and go for them.

Previous teams:

2008 Orbea - Oreka SDA (CT); 2009-13 Euskaltel Euskadi

Favourite race:

After riding it for the first time – the Tour de France.

Career highlight:

All of the big tours are important to me but my childhood dream was to ride the Tour de France.

If you weren't a rider, what would you be?

I would still be involved in sports somehow, but I’m not sure.

Interests away from cycling:

To relax with my family and friends.

Favourite film:

Braveheart

Favourite music:

I don’t have a particular taste – it comes and goes.

Best friend in the peloton:

Juan Jose Oroz

Favourite food:

A Spanish omelette

Most famous person you've met:

Eddy Merckx or Mario Cipollini.

Most embarrassing moment:

At the start of a race I managed to crash into a lamppost in the neutral zone. A lot of riders were laughing at me.

Best advice:

Put your heart into it and give it your best.

Migliori Risultati

2008

Cinturo de l'Emporda - 3rd

2009

Volta a Mallorca - 7th overall

2010

Vuelta a Espana - 1st stage 16; Trofeo Inca - 4th; Giro di Lombardia - 7th

2011

Giro d'Italia - 1st stage 14, 10th overall; Vuelta a Espana - 10th overall

2012

Giro d'Italia - 10th overall, 3rd stage 20; Tour de Suisse - 5th overall

2013

Tour de France - 12th overall, 3rd stage 15; Clasica San Sebastian - 4th
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