Video: Roche says Gilbert’s rivals have to believe they have a chance
Irishman recovering after Wednesday crashAg2r La Mondiale rider Nicolas Roche may not have quite the form to contend for victory in Liège-Bastogne-Liège, but he is clear on what the contenders need to do to try to beat Philippe Gilbert. “I think if riders don’t attack earlier, they don’t have a chance of winning,” he warned, speaking to VeloNation at this morning’s start in Liege’s historical Place Saint Lambert. “I know a lot of riders have said in the press that they would be happy to be second. If the top riders are here to be second, or if they wait until Ans for Gilbert to attack, I think they have [already] lost. “For sure, the only way they can try and win is by attacking and isolating Gilbert in the final.” Roche’s father Stephen often spoke about the lack of fighting spirit shown by some riders in the past, most [...]
Video: Rabobank DS Dekker discusses how Gilbert could be beaten tomorrow
Dutchman talks team strategy, will protect Gesink and one otherRabobank directeur sportif Erik Dekker has said that the team will rely on Robert Gesink plus one other unnamed rider in tomorrow’s Liège-Bastogne-Liège, with both working together to try to get the better of Philippe Gilbert plus the other favourites. The Dutchman spoke to VeloNation after the teams’ presentation, and said that Gilbert was the biggest obstacle to success in the Classic. Because of that, Rabobank has another rider it will protect, although he was being coy about whom that is. “We have one secret weapon in the team, so I won’t tell you. Robert is the safest, of course,” he said in a video interview. “He is always good, he is always there when there is a battle. So he will be one of the two leaders, yes.” Gesink was highly motivated to win last Sunday’s Amstel Gold race, particularly [...]
Video: Andy Schleck believes Flèche allergies won’t hamper his Liège campaign
Pollen affected him on WednesdayLeopard Trek co-leader Andy Schleck believes that allergies hampered his form in Wednesday’s Flèche Wallonne and, despite the pollen count remaining far higher than usual, expects to be strong in tomorrow’s Liège-Bastogne-Liège. The Ardennes region has been covered in a fine yellow power for days, with big clouds of pollen drifting on the wind and dropping all around. The weather is warmer than usual and it has increased the amount of the allergen. “I know I have been training good, I was good in Amstel, my shape is good. In Flèche, I just simply was bad,” Schleck said at yesterday’s team press conference at Francorchamps. “I don’t know what it was. I felt in the race that I had pain in my eyes from pollen in the air. I haven’t had any problems like that before, I never had any allergies. “It was an extreme day…I [...]
Video Interview: Van Garderen psyched for Liège, confirms Tour start is possible
American rider continuing to make good progressTop US talent Tejay Van Garderen underlined his ability last season with an unexpected third place overall in the Criterium du Dauphiné. The HTC Highroad rider took second in the prologue, conceding just two seconds to Alberto Contador, and ended the prestigious Tour preparation event two minutes 41 seconds behind race winner Janez Brajkovic (Team RadioShack) and one minute behind Contador. Being then just 21 years of age, it highlighted his potential in the sport. He also netted second overall in the 2010 Presidential Tour of Turkey, and finished second this season in the Volta ao Algarve. In a video interview with VeloNation this week, Van Garderen confirmed that he will target a top result in the California and also hopes to make his Tour de France debut. “Everything is building towards the Tour of California and a possible Tour start,” he said, sitting [...]
Video: Hesjedal says Tour de France preparations are going well
Canadian aiming for good ride in Liège-Bastogne-LiègeGarmin-Cervélo rider Ryder Hesjedal finished seventh in last year’s Tour de France, stepping up to a leadership role after Christian Vande Velde crashed out of the race. The Canadian is aiming to go higher this year, and said prior to Flèche Wallonne that he feels he is ahead of schedule. “Yes, actually,” he said, when asked by VeloNation if he was happy with his buildup towards the Tour. “I first came into form in Pais Basque [ninth overall] and a little bit earlier, in Criterium International [seventh]. I felt better than last year in Pays Basque, so I am looking to see that again hopefully today and on Sunday, and then take that into my next races.” Hesjedal was speaking prior to the start of Flèche Wallonne, where he hoped to ride strongly. He sought to turn things around after experiencing stomach problems in [...]
Video: Schleck brothers upbeat about chances for Liège-Bastogne-Liège
Footage from today's Leopard Trek press conference in Francorchamps, BelgiumSpeaking to the press two days before the start of Liège-Bastogne-Liège, the Leopard Trek team was in confident mood. While recognising that Philippe Gilbert’s victories in the Amstel Gold Race and in Flèche Wallonne marked him out as a big dangerman, and that there are several others they can win, the team underlined that it has several contenders and an impressive collective strength. “I believe for Sunday we have a lot of options, including Frank and me. I believe we have four or five guys who can play on Sunday,” said Andy Schleck, the winner two years ago. “Maybe we have to sacrifice one or the other - it depends on how the circumstance of the race is - to do the work, maybe earlier in the race. But if I look around the table, we have strong guys here. “Of [...]