Unzue impressed by Heras' condition

By Hernan Alvarez Macias

Illes Balears team director Eusebio Unzue made comments about week one of the Vuelta España to Spanish TV, the race's official broadcasters. He was impressed by Liberty's Roberto Heras' performance, and said that "until yesterday [Thursday], there wasn't a chance to see how the favourites were. I think we have seen the best Heras that I have ever watched in the last few years. He was very well assisted by his team. However, there is two thirds of the race left. There are five, six very important stages. It's clear that Heras has come here very fit, but the further development of the race will give us his true measure."

Unzue left space for his riders as well as for surprises on the Vuelta. "In the Vuelta there are surprises," he continued. "Many times this race went against logic. Many times and in many years. We will see what happens in the time trial on Sunday and also in the Pyrenean stages."

Saunier Duval director Joxean "Matxin" Fernandez also gave his version of Heras' superiority. "He showed the reasons why he is the favourite," Fernandez said. "There are many stages left on the race, but he made a strong impact, a morale blow to the rest. So far, Liberty and Heras have demonstrated superiority."

Like Unzue, Matxin does trust in his team and added, "We will try being a fighting team, looking for stage wins up to the end."