Equipo Kern Pharma is happy to announce the signing of two young riders for the 2023 season: Pablo Castrillo and Mikel Retegi. Both will step up to professionalism after a spectacular year in the U23 category with Equipo Lizarte, pharmaceutical’s feeder team.
This news reflects Equipo Kern Pharma’s philosophy of talent development. It’s the backbone of the project, as its general manager, Juanjo Oroz, states: “Young riders must be our first option as we started years ago as an U23 team. We are proud of our roots, and Castrillo and Retegi’s signings make us happy”, says Juanjo Oroz, who defines both youngsters as “honest and hard-working” people.
In Equipo Kern Pharma’s general manager words, Pablo Castrillo “is a rider who has lots of potential” and Mikel Retegi can be defined as “a winner”. Oroz things that “following this path is what will help us progress”. “We will try to bring them judgement and inspiration so they could work harder than ever”, concludes.
Manolo Azcona, Asociación Deportiva Galibier’s president, celebrates the signing of Castrillo and Retegi: “We like working with young riders because, if you help them progress, you build a team ready to fight for any race”. “We feel more than proud of having riders in our feeder team with enough potential to step up to the pro ranks every year”, remarks Azcona.
Pablo Castrillo (2001, Jaca) will be a pro-cyclist next year with Equipo Kern Pharma after having achieved five wins this season (Memorial Cirilo Zunzarren, Subida a Gorla, Memorial Valenciaga, Lazkao Proba, and Spanish National U23 ITT Championship). The rider from Jaca is known for its huge potential and its time trial abilities and will continue growing in the team led by Juanjo Oroz.
Castrillo recognizes that “it’s a dream come true after many years of hard work”. And the most especial thing is turning pro “at home”. “Equipo Kern Pharma is the place to be because here I can go step by step. I’ll try to give my best since the beginning”, adds.
Mikel Retegi (2001, Barañáin) will be a pro-cyclist after racing for Equipo Lizarte the last three seasons. He has even been the leader of the Copa de España sub-23. Besides, Retegi has already made its debut in the pro peloton as stagiaire with Equipo Kern Pharma.
“The truth is that I didn’t expect it”, admits Mikel Retegi as he points out to some health problems suffered during the season. “I couldn’t show my best self, but I think that I’ll be a good match for the team”, remarks at the same time that concludes: “I’m sure I’ll learn how to be patience and work towards our common goals”.
