Mats Wenzel (born 2002) will be the first Luxembourgish rider to wear the colors of Caja Rural-Seguros RGA in the upcoming season. Still young – he will turn 24 next December – Wenzel has already shown great potential, gradually progressing through experiences with teams such as Leopard (now dissolved), the Continental formation of Lidl-Trek and Kern Pharma; with the latter he spent the last two seasons, recently completing his first Grand Tour at the Vuelta a España.

Although climbing is his ideal terrain, in his early years as a professional Wenzel has demonstrated remarkable consistency on varied terrain, proving capable of making an impact both by going on the attack, and by targeting stage wins or good general classification placings in stage races. Thanks to his height (1.87 m), he also adapts well to flat terrain, while his explosiveness on uphill finishes makes him a versatile rider, competitive in different types of races.

This season he achieved his first professional victory at the Clásica de Pascua in Galicia, beating Javier Cubillas in a two-man sprint at the end of a demanding course with significant climbs. He also finished second in the general classification of the Flèche du Sud (a 2.1 category race) in his home country, racing with the Luxembourg national team.

His recent Vuelta debut – where he showed fighting spirit by inserting himself in several breakaways and remaining a protagonist until the final week – crowns an excellent season for this rider, who is expected next week at the European Championships in Slovenia.

What convinced you to join Caja Rural-Seguros RGA at this stage of your career?
«What struck me most was how much the team demonstrated they wanted me in their ranks. They transmitted great confidence to me and, combined with an excellent race program, the choice was easy».

How would you describe yourself as a rider and in which area do you think you can make the greatest contribution to the team?
«I'm a puncheur-climber, but I can also go strong on flat terrain. I like to attack! I believe I can play my cards best in demanding and rolling races, as well as in race finishes with small groups. I think the best races are those where you still have cards to play in the finale. I have no problem giving everything for the team».

Is there a particular race where you would like to achieve a good result?
«I already have a lot of experience in European cycling, so I think I can transmit confidence and calm. I've always been a rider who, when the opportunity to win or come close to victory presents itself, knows how to maintain composure and clarity. It's also important to instill confidence, motivation and enthusiasm in teammates. Liège-Bastogne-Liège is already one of my favorite races; returning there next year and doing better would be the ideal scenario».

PEREZ ALSO ARRIVES. Murcian rider César Pérez (born 2004) joins Caja Rural-Seguros RGA for the upcoming season. His arrival allows the team to reunite the last two winners of the Copa de España (Elite and Under 23 categories), confirming the ambitions of the "green" team and reaffirming its commitment to identifying, developing and enhancing talent, both at youth and professional level.

Pérez had already shown glimpses of his potential during his junior years and early seasons among the Under 23s, but made the definitive leap in quality last year, winning two of the most prestigious races of the Copa de España: the Aiztondo Klasika and the Memorial Valenciaga. He also finished second at the Circuito del Guadiana, the Santikutz Klasika and the Memorial Momparler, always playing a leading role. Later in the season, as a stagiaire with Kern Pharma, he concluded the year by participating in the Tour of Britain and the Tour of Luxembourg. During his first complete season among the professionals, Pérez continued to show the qualities that had made him stand out in the Under 23 group.

After signing a contract that will bind him to Caja Rural-Seguros RGA for at least the next three seasons, the twenty-two-year-old has demonstrated a marked aptitude for tackling short and explosive climbs, combined with remarkable speed in finishes with small groups. One of his most significant performances came at the Circuito de Getxo, where he tackled the most demanding climb alongside the best riders, then closing the race in ninth place.