After finishing fifth in this year's Giro and adding to his list of impressive performances there, Juan Manuel Garate looks set to take on the Tour and maybe a race that passes right by his door. Cyclingnews' Hernan Alvarez Macias caught up with him while resting after this year's action-packed Italian festival of cycling.
Garate's fifth place Giro finish follows his 10th overall last year and fourth in 2002. He feels comfortable riding in Italy, having ridden for the Italian Lampre squad until his move to Saunier Duval-Prodir in the off-season. His 2005 has been a good one so far, after settling in easily to his new team and putting some strong results on the board.
Although quite content with his fifth overall, Garate was disappointed with his start to this year's Giro, and his determination could be seen on stage 13, where he tried gallantly to make as much time as possible on the leaders after a poor opening week. Although he didn't take that stage, his performance was a warning shot for July and his ability to make the big moves stick - a good sign only weeks out from the Grand Boucle.
