Heras is ready to race again

By Antonio J. Salmerón

"When I decided to try to return to racing, I was very aware that it was necessary to continue training in order to maintain a good physical state of form. And that is what I do. Not training five or six hours, like before, but I ride everyday. When I am in Béjar [where he was born - ed.] I usually train with some Under-23 amateurs and professional riders, such as Moisés Dueñas (Agritubel), who is now racing in the Tour," Roberto Heras explained to the Spanish sports newspaper Marca.

The Spanish climber, who was sanctioned for two years in 2005, is planning on racing again, though he cautions that "I think that it is possible, but taking into account the current cycling [situation], there is only a fifty per cent chance. If it doesn't work out in the end, I will not feel frustrated.

"For me, training does not impose any sacrifices. It is the advantage that I have. I enjoy doing what I like," he added. October 27 is the day the sanction expires, "that is [the day] when I received the communication of the 'positive', although my last competition was the Vuelta a España [in September]." In fact, Heras reveals that he has maintained some contact to cycling teams in order to race, but he is not going to do it for "30,000 euro, because I have dignity, like any sportsman and person."

"After eleven years, I do not believe that I have anything to demonstrate to anybody. I want to return because I like that, as well as I believe that my cycling career has still not come to an end", expressed Heras.