One of the many Team Sky recruits over the off season, Benat Intxausti, is enjoying life at the British-based squad as the Spaniard quietly went about his business in the recent Volta a la Comunitat Valenciana.
The former Movistar rider finished third, as his teammate Wout Poels picked up the win for Sky in Spain.
Since bursting onto the scene in 2010, Team Sky and Sir Dave Brailsford have always had jeers and sneers thrown their way; and now as the team have grown into arguably the best pro-team on the planet, plenty of envious eyes are focused towards Sky.
Team Sky better than everyone else thinks - Intxausti
Intxausti has swapped one very good team for another since his arrival from Movistar; and with Sky looking to challenge at all the major Grand Tours, the Spaniard could be a welcome asset this season.
But speaking of his new team and teammates, Intxausti told Cycling Weekly: “Yes it is true that from the outside it may seem like a closed circle but when you get inside you realise that it is something else.”
He added, “The treatment is outstanding and the care for each rider is 100 per cent; you have everything you want and it’s all at hand."
The 29-year-old also commented, "That is very satisfying and influences in your mood."
And it looks like Intxausti has started the season well, he was on the podium in the Volta a la Comunitat Valenciana; and showed his good climbing abilities on the varying parcours the race has to offer.
“It’s pretty good start on a new team and it is important for my confidence,” he added.
Intxausti felt he had to prove himself to Sky, and with a podium with his first real outing in anger, the Spaniard has certainly done that.
He said: “I knew I was more or less riding well, but you always have a question, having not tested myself in competition. I had to prove it.”