The Phonak team has been fine tuning its Tour de France preparations by spending some time in the Pyrenees with some of its key riders. Floyd Landis, Santiago Botero and Koos Moerenhout and team manager John Lelangue have been reconnoitring some of the Tour's mountain stage, including stage 11 in Val d’Aran in Spain. The team reported, "While conditions outside were good on the first day, on the second day the Phonak riders not only had to contend with the demanding terrain, but also with rainy weather. 'Nevertheless, it was worthwhile taking a look at the beautiful, tough ascents,' said John Lelangue. The training days did not only give some points of reference regarding fitness. In addition, the riders were able to memorise the main points of the stages in detail."
The team is now preparing for the Criterium du Dauphiné Libéré, which begins on June 4 in Annecy. This will be an opportunity to get to know the Alpine stages of the Tour de France better. The Dauphiné Libéré's queen stage from Briançon to La Toussuire will be almost identical to the 16th stage of the Tour: it includes the Galibier, the Col de la Croix, the Col du Mollard and the final ascent to the Savoy skiing resort La Toussuire.
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