Colombia's Leonardo Paez is ready to race marathon worlds in Austria. (Image credit: Bianchi)
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.
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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.
