Wegelius: Liquigas will have more freedom

By Shane Stokes in Palermo

Last year the Liquigas team rode the race for Danilo Di Luca, helping the Italian take the Maglia Rosa and then defending it all the way to the finish in Milan. British rider Charly Wegelius was one of those and said that while Di Luca's departure to LPR meant that the race would be different this time round, the acid green squad are still aiming high.

"The goal for the team is still to win," he said. "I think we can win stages with several riders. I think we can do a good race because we probably won't have so much responsibility to control the race."

Wegelius is a decent climber and could have the chance to shine if he got into the right breakaway. He said he didn't know what to expect as regards any personal goals, but felt that his condition was solid. "My preparation for the race has been really good. I haven't been sick. I've raced less than before, but I think it has worked out quite well."

Following the race, he will go on to ride the Tour of Switzerland and the Vuelta a España. He's as yet unsure about his Olympics participation as he is waiting to hear from British Cycling about their plans.