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After 17 seasons in the world peloton – including ten unforgettable years with 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 had a long chat with this emblematic figure of international cycling, a generous athlete and man.
By Jeff Tatard
A career shaped by passion
« To have been able to become a professional and spend so many years in the international peloton racing the biggest races in the world has been a true honor 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 express all the gratitude that Luis Ángel Maté feels towards the world of cycling. For him, every kilometer covered, every race contested has been an essential building block in his life. A respected teammate for his courage and self-sacrifice, he was long one of the pillars of the international peloton. Also a good comrade, appreciated in all the teams he rode for. His journey is a source of inspiration for all those who dream of living their passion to the fullest.
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 could make out my father and my family amidst the crowd of supporters who were swarming the Tour de France mountain passes. I became a professional thanks to their efforts, and seeing their radiant faces among so many people was the pinnacle of my success. »
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 loved ones, 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 were precious. Ten years represent an important stage in a person’s life. I always felt a deep identification with the Cofidis colors and, well beyond the financial aspect, I felt this sense of belonging that made me stay 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 forged his identity as a rider. It was in this cocoon of solidarity and sharing 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 rider, always ready to sacrifice for the group.
« I have always been a very disciplined rider, obeying the team’s requirements. I was also very versatile, capable of helping in the mountains, on the flats, or during sprints. Anything that could bring something to the team and the group was important to me. »
Even if the dream of winning a Tour de France remained present, he humbly states: « Of course, I would have loved to win a Tour de France. Obviously, I could never have won it individually, but being part of a victorious team during a Tour de France would have been a dream. »
These words illustrate his collective mindset and his commitment to contribute, by all possible means, to the team’s success.
Gravel: a return to roots
After nearly two decades on the roads of professional cycling, Luis Ángel chose 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 that is particularly important for me today. In a cycling world 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 true rebirth for him, a return to the simple and authentic pleasures of cycling, far from the pressures and demands of high-level competition.
A multifaceted discipline
Luis Ángel Maté also shares his vision of Gravel, a nascent discipline that offers many perspectives.
« It’s a discipline that has just arrived and fortunately presents many facets and multiple ways to approach it: there’s 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 embarking on an adventure in unknown landscapes.
A valuable partnership with Orbea
For this season, Luis Ángel Maté is committing as an Orbea ambassador, a brand that has accompanied him since his beginnings.
« This season, I will be with Orbea as an ambassador, and for me, it’s something precious, because Orbea has been by my side since I started cycling. I perfectly identify with Orbea’s values, which is a cooperative. There is nothing closer to a cooperative in sport than the supporting role found in the gregario, and I have always been that type of rider throughout my career.»
« Furthermore, Orbea is deeply rooted in its region, which I find magnificent. This is exactly my way of understanding this sport, and I am fortunate to share this with them, so it’s a perfect union. »
This partnership naturally fits into his quest for authentic and collective cycling, combining tradition and modernity.
The pleasure of riding without pressure
One of the big differences between Gravel and professional cycling is the absence of pressure. Luis Ángel highlights this with simplicity.
« For me, there’s nothing comparable: I ride Gravel for pleasure, without any pressure. In professional cycling, the pressure is maximum and constant. At 40, I’ve explored it all, and I truly feel 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 advocate for ecology and more responsible mobility. Aware of current climate challenges, he states it with conviction.
« I have always been raised with respect for the environment, and that’s 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’s an immense opportunity, but also the responsibility to preserve it and keep it healthy and alive. It is only fair that future generations receive a legacy equal to, or even better than, what we received. »
For him, cycling 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 the bike daily 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 bikes there are, the better off we will all be. »
Cycling, an invitation to well-being
Always seeking well-being, Luis Ángel also shares his personal experience. « I always travel by bike, and it’s an excellent decision. Driving causes me a lot of stress, which is why I try to avoid it as much as possible. I invite everyone to adopt cycling, because I’m sure they won’t regret it. »
His message is simple and impactful : cycling is a tool for well-being, a source of daily relaxation and pleasure, accessible to all.
A poetic return to roots
One of the most moving 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 bike journey, a poetic farewell to his professional career.
« It was a wonderful experience. My brother was by my side to make the journey home, to my origins, after the Vuelta and after my sporting career. It was a very poetic way to hang 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 to transition from professionalism to a new life in which cycling will always play a very important role, but in another form. »
This symbolic moment marks the end of a glorious chapter and the opening of a new one, where the passion for cycling transforms 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 professional cycling model.
« There is still much to do. For example, a more organized calendar should be established to minimize travel and reduce the carbon footprint of races, while seeking concrete actions to make professional cycling more sustainable. There is always so much to do, one just needs the will. »
This observation calls for a collective transformation of the cycling world, so that this sport can be a driver of positive change for our society and our environment.
A forward-looking perspective and advice for young people
Drawing on his experience, Luis Ángel Maté also offers some valuable advice to young aspiring professional cyclists.
« Have patience and, above all, enjoy what you do; otherwise, nothing makes sense. » He then adds: « Every time you 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 summarizes his relationship with cycling in a sentence that embodies his optimism and vision for the future
« Bikes will change the world. At least, they have already changed my world for the better. »
These words, powerful and full of hope, resonate far beyond the simple sporting universe. They remind us that cycling, 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 report, which marks 3Bikes’ first foray into an exchange in Spanish (even if the rider from Marbella also speaks French very well!), aims to be more than just a career story.
It is the expression of a shared passion, a deep commitment to essential values, and a call for individual and collective responsibility. Thanks to Luis Ángel Maté’s sincerity and authenticity, we discover not only the journey of an accomplished athlete, but also the vision of a man convinced that cycling is much more than a means of transport. It is a philosophy of life.
By sharing 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 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 oneself and to continue to make the cycling world vibrate.
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