Figueras ready for the rhythm of racing

Lampre-Caffita reports that the flu which Giuliano Figueras picked up before Tirreno-Adriatico, causing him to miss the event, has come and gone, and he is now motivated to get back into racing, starting with Milan-San Remo this Saturday.

"I got back into training and I seem to have found the right rhythm needed for racing," said Figueras. "I did some training in Campania where I was fortunate to train in some good weather; Wednesday, I got a good 250 kilometre training ride in, and I think that the form I had at the GP Chiasso is on its way back and I am feeling good, both physically and mentally. I doubt I will have the condition of those who have just raced Tirreno-Adriatico and Paris-Nice, but I am sure I will have a good San Remo."

In 2002, Figueras and Paolo Bettini tried to foil the sprinters' plans on the Poggio, but the two were caught with only 300m to the top of the climb, before Mario Cipollini took the win. However, the 29 year-old appears ready to try the same tactic again, if the opportunity presents itself.

"I really feel that this is the perfect climb for anyone to try and get away in order to get to the finish on their own, or at least without sprinters. Otherwise you take riders like Freire or Petacchi or Boonen to the finish line."

Lampre - Caffita roster: Alessandro Ballan, Daniele Bennati, Giosuè Bonomi, Gianluca Bortolami, Salvatore Commesso, Giuliano Figueras, Paolo Fornaciari, Daniele Righi Sports Director: Giuseppe Martinelli