Carlos Sastre of the Cervélo TestTeam lined up for the first time this season today at the Volta a Catalunya. This marked his first competitive appearance since the 2009 Tour de France. The seven-day Spanish race kicked off with a 3.7 kilometer time trial along the ocean boardwalk, with the 2008 Tour de France champion crossing the line in 75th place, eighteen seconds behind the winning time of Milram’s Paul Voss.
“For me this was my first test in eight months and the truth is I am looking forward to the competition, tension, nervousness and stress of it,” Sastre commented to esciclismo.com.
Rain fell during today’s race against the clock causing Sastre to take precautions. “The day was dangerous because the road was wet and through the middle of town, so I didn’t want to take many risks. I have tried to draw confidence and caution and do a good prologue, especially to see how I feel, which for me was the most important.”
“Now what remains are hard, long stages, which I hope to find my rhythm, something I need to right now after my long time training.”
The Volta a Catalunya is Sastre’s only race before the upcoming Giro d’ Italia – a race he is focusing on for the overall. The following stages will undoubtedly show if the Spaniard’s long block of training has paid off and he is ready for Italy’s biggest stage race. The former Tour de France champion will also be lining up in July at the Grande Boucle but with lesser aspirations.