Paris-Nice: my first challenge

Last year he missed the podium spot in the Liquigas colors by a mere second. Technically, he finished third because Valverde was suspended over doping and his results were annulled.    “I want to ride for the GC but I am far from declaring that I will fight for the overall victory. I am feeling great and we will see what I will be able to do, but I am going there with the intention of giving it my best in the most difficult parts,” said Roman who will first meet with the Astana’s other leader Vinokourov in action. “We haven’t discussed the tactics yet, we won’t see each other until Saturday,” he revealed.“The race includes no prologue and it will be important to survive the first three days. These stages shouldn’t be hard but there is a danger of strong crosswinds. Someone will definitely try to break up the pack but we have a strong team and I believe the guys will keep us sheltered at the front. The Friday’s time trial will be crucial together with the two traditionally tough stages at the end of the race,” added Roman. The Astana line-up for Paris-Nice: Alexandr Vinokurov, Roman Kreuziger, Rémy Di Gregorio, Dimitrij Fofonov, Andrej Grivko, Fredrik Kessiakoff, Robert Kiserlovski, Tomas Vaitkus.”We are aiming for a stage victory with Vinokourov, says Sport Director Alexandr Shefer, and we are counting on Kiserlovski and Kreuziger for the general classification. With these two riders, we can, at least, hope for a final podium spot.”