The nine riders of the Liberty Seguros-Würth team passed the medical controls on Thursday and carried out their final testing of the time trial course on Friday, ready for tomorrow's Tour kick-off in Fromentine. On Friday evening, the team attended the official Tour team presentation, before travelling back to its hotel near Nantes. All riders are looking forward to the start of the race tomorrow.
Roberto Heras
"I am good and with the desire of doing well in the first test, tomorrow, because already important things will be seen there. The first aim is to get into the race, because last year I could not do it on any day. For me, the Dauphiné Libéré does not count, it was a mirage where we could not determine our real condition. Now, on the other hand, the sensations are good and I come with the same ambition that I do in all the grand tours, to fight for the general classification. I know that it will be very difficult against Lance Armstrong and Discovery. I have ridden with them and I know better than anybody that they always come very strong, but I won't give up because of that."
Joseba Beloki
"I am as nervous as if it was my first Tour. My objective, without any doubt, is to return to the same level that I was at, but without forgetting that I am working for Roberto Heras, who is our leader. Two years after my fall, it is very important to return after so much time battling it. To be tomorrow in the start will be a major satisfaction for me."
Alberto Contador
"I am a bit nervous and simultaneously desire that everything starts, because these days are becoming endless. I am living through the uncertainty of how I will be in the best race in the world and I would like that, by the end of the Tour, I have been useful to my team and they are satisfied with my work. Also, I hope to be in some situations of the race where people can see me, but the fundamental thing for me is to work and to gain experience."
Allan Davis
"I feel good, focused, and with the desire to start everything. I already have one year of experience and my aim is to obtain the best results for the team. Certainly I hope to win a stage, and I believe that I don't have any excuses: I have trained very well and I feel strong."
Jörg Jaksche
"Before the start it is difficult to talk, it's like when you do an examination at school: you have done all your homework, but it is necessary to verify it on the road. I feel good, but you never know what is going to happen, you can have the three best weeks of your life or not do anything. If I am OK, I will go for a stage, win, but I will work for the team."
Igor Gonzalez de Galdeano
"I come to the Tour with desire, with a lot of strength to dispute it, but for the present time, my aims are the general aims of the team, because my form is a mystery after a long time without being able to get good results at a high level."
Luis León Sanchez
"Manolo Saiz asked me before coming if I was feeling motivated to do the Tour, and the truth is that I am, because this is the best race for being motivated. My aim is to help Roberto in every way I can and, personally, what I want most is to make it to Paris. Everybody says the Tour is very difficult, so for me it is enough to finish it."
Marcos Serrano
"It is my eighth Tour of France and I believe that I am coming to the start in good condition after preparing for this race the whole year. In spite of the fact that I have not had good results previously, I have confidence that, after two bad years, we will finally manage to find the same level her that we have in the Vuelta a España".
Ángel Vicioso
"I am coming to the start in good shape and with the idea of helping the team, but also I want to take advantage of the opportunities to win a stage. It is my third Tour and clearly, I have many desires to finish it after having abandoned because a fall both of the previous times."
