By Shane Stokes
Danish rider Michael Rasmussen impressed greatly during last year's Tour de France, winning a stage and dominating the king of the Mountains competition. He's had a quiet spring but says that things are all going to plan so far.
"I am keeping well, I am feeling alright," he said prior to the start of stage one of the Tour de Suisse. "My preparation has been going well. I have been doing steady rides since I came out of the Giro [he withdrew before the start of stage 12 due to a back problem – ed]. This is the last big test here and it will give me a good indication as to whether I am on the right road or not."
The Rabobank rider says at the same point in 2005, his form was perhaps a little hotter. However he says he is not worried, having time to sharpen up before the Tour hits the big mountains.
"I am probably a little bit behind compared to the same time last year," he states. "But I hope this race will give me the final edge. You still have to keep in mind that the Pyrenees are one month from now, so I have 20 hard race days before then. There is still time for a lot of improvement."
As regards the Tour de Suisse and his targets here, Rasmussen says that the road will decide that for him. " We will see how things go," he stated. "It all depends on how it goes on the stage to Leukerbad on Wednesday, whether or not I go for stages or the general classification. But I will take it day by day and not be too stressed about the results."