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
