Soler joins Barloworld team-mates in Tuscany

After overcoming visa problems in Columbia, Mauricio Soler finally joined his team-mates at the Team Barloworld training camp in Tuscany, Italy.

"I've had a busy but fruitful winter. I recharged by batteries but also worked hard to resolve several minor physical problems that affected by racing last year," said the 2007 polka-dot jersey winner at the Tour de France. "I'm optimistic and full of enthusiasm for the new season. There's a great atmosphere in the Barloworld team and at the training camp."

"We've already created a good team spirit and I'm pleased to see that the new riders are quickly feeling an integral part of the team," said Team Manager Claudio Corti. "Barloworld is a good team with an excellent team spirit. It's an important factor in professional racing because it's the foundation for the results we've achieved so for and for those we want to achieve in the future." Corti is part of the management team, which also includes Directors Alberto Volpi, Valerio Tebaldi and Flavio Miozzo. The managers have been busy teaching riders how to interact with the media and fostering team spirit among the riders.