Caja Rural – Seguros RGA presents Rafael Barbas, its fifth signing

The cycling team Caja Rural – Seguros RGA has presented its fifth signing for the next two seasons, the Portuguese Rafael Barbasfrom the Tavfer-Ovos Matinados team, where he has spent his entire time in the under-23 category.

He thus continues with his reinforcements for next season, after the announcements of Daniel Cepa, Unai Iribar, the Colombian Santiago Umba and the Uruguayan Eric Fagúndez, according to the information provided by the team in a statement.

Medical student at the University of Salamanca, Rafael Barbas has shown great potential in the mountains, which has been reflected in his results in tests in the Portuguese competition and in the most relevant international tours of the peloton in his category.

According to the Navarrese team, the Portuguese “has shown an evolution and growth throughout his four years at the continental level that makes him worthy of this opportunity.”

His career includes two sixth positions in the Volta a Portugal do Futuro and the French Ronde de l’Isard; a tenth in the Joaquin Agostinho Trophy; and a fifteenth place in the Volta a Portugal, second in the youth classification.

Regarding his choice to sign for Caja Rural – Seguros RGA, the cyclist explains that this offers him “the opportunity” to make the leap to the professional level as it is “one of the best ProTeam teams, which has one of the best growth projects, with a very solid base and many years of experience.”

Regarding his technical abilities, he defines himself as a “complete” cyclist, although his work on long climbs and “hard and demanding” routes stands out.

Among his goals for the next season, the Portuguese points out his desire to continue evolving to be a “more consistent” runner, help the team, learn from them and take advantage of the opportunities that arise.