Bytagand the publication "Luis Ángel Maté: from the pro peloton to eco-responsible Gravel"
After 17 seasons in the world peloton – including ten unforgettable years at Cofidis – Luis Ángel Maté is now reinventing his passion by turning to Gravel, a discipline that allows him to reconnect with the very essence of cycling. We were able to chat at length with this emblematic figure of international cycling, a sportsman and a generous man.
By Jeff Tatard
A career shaped by passion
« Being able to turn professional and spend so many years in the international peloton, racing the biggest races in the world, has been a real honour for me. I consider myself very lucky to have made my passion my way of life, and I am very satisfied with my sporting career. »
These words convey all the gratitude that Luis Angel Mate feels towards the world of cycling. For him, every kilometer traveled, every race contested has been an essential stone in the building of his life. A teammate respected for his courage and self-sacrifice, he has long been one of the pillars of the international peloton. A good comrade too, appreciated in all the teams he has been part of. His journey is a source of inspiration for all those who dream of living their passion to the full.
Family, a source of unforgettable emotions
Among the most striking memories of his career, Luis Ángel Maté highlights a particularly moving moment that occurred during the Tour de France.
« The most special moment of my career, I always say, was when I was able to distinguish my father and my family among the crowd of supporters who invaded the climbs of the Tour de France. I became a professional thanks to their efforts, and seeing their beaming faces among so many people was the pinnacle of my achievement. »
This moving memory reveals the crucial importance of family in his life. For Luis Ángel Maté, success is not just an individual matter. It is built with the love and unconditional support of those close to you, who are the foundation of all success.
A decade at Cofidis, much more than just a stint
The ten years spent at Cofidis marked a turning point in Luis Ángel's career.
« These ten years have been precious. Ten years represent an important milestone in a person's life. I have always felt a deep identification with the Cofidis colours and, well beyond the financial aspect, I have felt this sense of belonging that has made me stay for so many years. For me, Cofidis was much more than a team, it was a family, and I am very proud to have been part of the history of this group. »
For him, the Cofidis experience has forged his identity as a runner. It is in this cocoon of solidarity and partagand that the rider learned the value of the collective, essential in a sport as demanding as professional cycling.
The role of the versatile and dedicated athlete
Always faithful to the values of teamwork, Luis Ángel Maté describes himself as a disciplined and versatile runner, always ready to sacrifice himself for the group.
« I have always been a very disciplined rider, obeying the demands of the team. I was also very versatile, able to help both in my owntagno, on the flat or during sprints. Anything that could bring something to the team and the group was important to me. »
Even though the dream of winning a Tour de France remained present, he humbly clarified: " Of course, I would have loved to win a Tour de France. Obviously, I could never have won it individually, but to be part of a winning team in a Tour de France would have been a dream. »
These words illustrate his collective state of mind and his commitment to contribute, by all possible means, to the success of the team.
Gravel: a return to the roots
After nearly two decades on the routes of professional cycling, Luis Ángel has chosen to reinvent himself by turning to Gravel, a discipline that allows him to rediscover the origins of cycling.
« Gravel allows me to reconnect with the origins of cycling, and this is particularly important to me today. In a cycling that has become very technical, where numbers take precedence over everything, it is essential to remember the most romantic side of our sport, and Gravel offers exactly that. »
This choice marks a real rebirth for him, a return to the simple and authentic pleasures of cycling, far from the pressures and demands of the top level.
A multifaceted discipline
Luis Angel Maté tells us abouttagand also his vision of Gravel, an emerging discipline which offers many perspectives.
« It is a discipline that has just arrived and fortunately has many facets and multiple ways of approaching it: there is the competitive side, the adventure side, bikepacking, etc. The more cyclists there are, the better it will be for all of us. »
Gravel, by offering this diversity, allows everyone to find their place, whether it's competing or going on an adventure in unfamiliar landscapes.
A valuable partnership with Orbea
For this season, Luis Ángel Maté is committed as ambassador of Orbea, a brand that has accompanied him since his beginnings.
« This season I will be with Orbea as an ambassador, and for me it is something precious, because Orbea has been by my side since I started cycling. I identify perfectly with the values of Orbea, which is a cooperative. There is nothing closer to a cooperative in sport than the support role that we find in the gregarious, and I've always been that type of rider throughout my career."
"Also, Orbea is firmly rooted in its region, which I find magnificent. This is exactly my way of understanding this sport, and I am lucky totagand that with them, it is therefore a perfect union. »
This partnership is a natural part of its quest for authentic and collective cycling, combining tradition and modernity..
The pleasure of driving without pressure
One of the big differences between Gravel and professional cycling is the lack of pressure. Luis Ángel emphasizes this simply.
« For me, there is nothing comparable: I practice Gravel for fun, without any pressure. In professional cycling, the pressure is maximum and constant. At 40, I've looked into the issue, and I really feel like I stopped at the right time. »
This choice allows him to rediscover the freedom and joy of riding, far from the constraints and expectations of high-level competition.
A strong ecological and social commitment
Beyond his love for cycling, Luis Ángel Maté is also a fervent defender of ecology and more responsible mobility.Aware of the current climate challenges, he states this with conviction.
« I was always raised to respect the environment, and that is how I intend to educate my children. I often say that cyclists have the best stadium in the world: today Alpe d'Huez, tomorrow Angliru, and another day Mortirolo… It is an immense opportunity, but also a responsibility to preserve it and keep it healthy and alive. It is right that future generations receive a legacytage equal, if not better, than the one we received. »
For him, the bicycle represents much more than a means of transport. It is a lever for change to establish a new development model, more respectful of our planet.
« Using a bicycle in everyday life means becoming aware of its vital importance. Children always imitate their idols, and if they see their role models adopting good practices, they will naturally follow their example. As I said, the more bicycles there are, the better off we will all be. »
Cycling, an invitation to well-being
Always in search of well-being, Luis Ángel bytagand also his personal experience. I always travel by bike, and it's a great decision. Taking the car causes me a lot of stress, so I try to avoid it as much as possible. I invite everyone to adopt the bike, because I'm sure you won't regret it. »
His message is simple and powerful. : the bicycle is a tool for well-being, a source of relaxation and daily pleasure, accessible to all.
A poetic return to sources
One of the most emotional moments of this transition to a new life was undoubtedly his return to his origins after the Vuelta. Accompanied by his brother, he undertook a final journey by bicycle, a poetic farewell to his professional career..
« It was a wonderful experience. My brother was by my side as I made the journey home, back to my origins, after the Vuelta and after my sporting career. It was a very poetic way of hanging up my bike, with all my loved ones waiting for me at home. For me, it was the dreamed culmination of my career, and a way of making the transition from professionalism to a new life in which cycling will always play a very important role, but in a different form. »
This symbolic moment marks the end of a glorious chapter and the opening of a new one., where the passion for cycling is transformed to adapt to a more serene and authentic life.
Towards more sustainable professional cycling
Aware of environmental issues and climate challenges, Luis Ángel does not fail to emphasize the importance of rethinking the model of professional cycling.
« There is still much to be done. For example, a more organised calendar should be established to minimise travel and reduce the carbon footprint of races, while looking for concrete actions to make professional cycling more sustainable. There is always so much to do, we just need the will. »
This observation calls for a collective transformation of the world of cycling, so that this sport can be a driver of positive change for our society and our environment.
A look into the future and advice for young people
With his experience, Luis Ángel Maté also offers some valuable advice to young people aspiring to a career in professional cycling..
« Have patience and, above all, enjoy what you do; otherwise, nothing makes sense. " He then adds: " Any time we have the chance to be heard, it's a great opportunity to communicate, so yes. »
These words of wisdom, imbued with simplicity and kindness, invite young people to remain true to themselves and to savor every moment of their sporting journey.
Finally, a strong message for the future
To conclude this interview, Luis Ángel Maté sums up his relationship with the bicycle in a sentence that embodies his optimism and his vision of the future.
« Bikes will change the world. At least they've already changed my world for the better. »
These powerful and hopeful words resonate far beyond the simple world of sport. They remind us that the bicycle, as a symbol of freedom, sustainability and joy, can be a lever to transform our society.For Luis Ángel Maté, every pedal stroke is a contribution to a better future, a future where sport and ecological commitment go hand in hand.
A new chapter for 3Bikes and for cycling
This reporttage, which marks the first incursion of 3Bikes in an exchange in Spanish (even if the runner from Marbella also speaks French very well!), is intended to be more than a simple career story.
It is the expression of a passion bytagée, a deep commitment to essential values and a call for individual and collective responsibility. Thanks to the sincerity and authenticity of Luis Ángel Maté, we discover not only the journey of an accomplished athlete, but also the vision of a man convinced that the bicycle is much more than a means of transport. It is a philosophy of life..
In partagWith his story, Luis Ángel Maté invites us to rethink our relationship with cycling, to rediscover the magic of cycling in its purest form and to embrace a mobility that is more respectful of our planet. His testimony, rich in emotions and lessons, is a true source of inspiration for his family, his fans, and all cycling enthusiasts.
He proves to us that, even after an exceptional career, it is always possible to reinvent yourself and continue to make the world of cycling vibrate.
