While his Astana teammates were racing in the Volta ao Argarve, 2006 Tour de France winner Oscar Pereiro has been training in Portugal with the focus of helping Alberto Contador win Paris-Nice.
“I can not wait to join the team and contribute to the victories. It will be my first race with Alberto (Contador) and I go with a big goal, which is none other than trying to help win the race,” said Pereiro.
While in Portugal, Pereiro took the time to met with Specialized BG fitters and underwent a biomechanical assessment.
“You will not be better or worse rider after such tests, but you become more comfortable on the bike and prevent injuries.”
With the purpose of leading Contador to the podium in the Tour de France, Pereiro is more motivated than ever. He is looking to move to eastern Spain for the better climate and training conditions.
“It’s important now to get several days of quality [training] and the climate here is not adequate, so I decided to move to find the best,” he said.
Beyond the immediate goal of helping Contador at Paris-Nice, assisting him win his third Tour de France is the other focus on Pereiro’s racing calendar.
“The sensations are improving every day and soon I’ll get to an acceptable level and help make important things happen for the team,” said Pereiro.
Pereiro crashed during the 15th stage of the 2008 Tour de France, breaking his arm. His 2009 season was unremarkable and he dropped out of that year’sTour and was seriously considering retirement. He was offered a one-year contract by Astana in December.
This year Pereiro has been building racing fitness at the Santos Tour Down Under, the GP Marseillaise and the Etoile de Bessèges.