Rodríguez prepares for Tirreno

Joaquim Rodríguez of Caisse d'Epargne is preparing on the Canary islands for his next race, Tirreno-Adriatico (March 11-17). Rodríguez started his season at the Challenge de Mallorca, where he raced twice. He then finished 22nd in the Vuelta a Andalucía.

"I felt very much to my liking in Andalucía. For the few days of racing I have in my legs, I went pretty well." He chose the island on advice from other people. "I was told many times that it is the ideal training ground. The Parador del Teide is 2,200m high and has all the necessary facilities for a cyclist," Rodríguez said.

The Spaniard will stay on the island for two weeks and be accompanied by his wife and son. "It is like a little family vacation, but I will train hard every day. The other day I climbed La Orotova and Wednesday I did six and a half hours with 4,200m of climbing."

Rodríguez went high enough that he was surprised by snowfall. "I came here for the sun and the mountains, but currently I have only encountered mountains..."