Paez gets ready for marathon worlds
Colombian finishes preparation at home and heads to Austria
Colombia's Leonardo Paez is heading to Austria on Wednesday in preparation for the UCI Marathon World Championships being staged in Graz, Austria this Sunday. Along with his TX Active-Bianchi teammate Julio Caro, also fo Colombia, he will spend several days adjusting to the time zone and checking out the courses.
"I managed to the best preparation," said an excited Paez. "I will try to spend the next few days of preparation peacefully. I'm conscious of having done everything I can to arrive in the best possible shape."
"On Wednesday, Julio and I will study the most critical portions of the course, then we'll focus on resting."
Paez has been spending some time preparing in Columbia, where he finished first and second in races on home turf.
"I knew I needed to stay healthy and I also wanted to test myself," said Paez. "In Colombia, I was able to train consistently and in ideal conditions."
He is optimistic about his chances. "Compared to 2008, I feel more secure. The race will give the verdict, but I will do everything to be among the protagonists."
Paez finished fourth in last year's marathon worlds, after Roel Paulissen (Belgium), Christoph Sauser (Switzerland) and Urs Huber (Switzerland). He was also fourth in 2007 and second in 2006.
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
Follow Cyclingnews on Twitter for the very latest coverage of events taking place in the cycling world - twitter.com/cyclingnewsfeed.
Thank you for reading 5 articles in the past 30 days*
Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read any 5 articles for free in each 30-day period, this automatically resets
After your trial you will be billed £4.99 $7.99 €5.99 per month, cancel anytime. Or sign up for one year for just £49 $79 €59
Join now for unlimited access
Try your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Sue George is an editor at Cyclingnews. She coordinates all of the site's mountain bike race coverage and assists with the road, 'cross and track coverage.