Joaquim Rodriguez remains committed to Katusha despite lack of WorldTour licence
Last Updated: December 20, 2012 8:19am
Joaquim Rodriguez: Not looking for a way out of his Katusha deal
Joaquim Rodriguez has no regrets about signing a new deal with Katusha in the off-season despite them facing exclusion from the WorldTour.
The Russian team was left off the UCI list for a place in the top flight of teams in the 2013 season because of their doping record over the last four years.
Katusha finished second behind Team Sky in the 2012 rankings with Rodriguez ending the season on top of the individual list, just ahead of Tour de France winner Bradley Wiggins.
But he faces having to wait on invitations to ride in the biggest races this season if Katusha's appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport fails.
"Yes it is true I had the chance to go to another team after the season was finished," Rodriguez said.
"I had a very good season in 2012 so I won't deny that I wanted to renegotiate my contract. I wanted a bigger contract - who wouldn't?
"I've had many offers but I got a very good deal from Katusha so I decided to stay. I've given my word to the team and I'm going to stick with it. I plan to fulfil my commitments.
"I know the team is appealing the UCI decision so hopefully I'll get a chance to ride both the Giro and Vuelta again next year."
