The Liquigas-Cannondale team has announced the nine-man line up that will hope to guide Ivan Basso to the Tour de France podium next month. The two-time Giro d’Italia winner sat out his home tour this year in favour of a concerted bid for the Tour and, despite some setbacks and occasional poor form, the acid-green and blue team feels that he has what it takes.
“We’ve got an intense month ahead but our competitive spirit will overcome any difficulties,” said team manager Roberto Amadio
“I expect the team to be tough, gutsy and determined to compete as a main contender in what is one of the most important races in the world,” he continued, “This is the role that Liquigas-Cannondale can and must play. Everyone knows the goals: do the race justice day after day and aim for the best possible result in the general classification.
“With a captain like Ivan Basso we know we’ve got a real shot at the podium and the yellow jersey. [Alberto] Contador and Andy Schleck have proved they’re the strongest but Ivan has just as much experience and class. He hasn’t been able to perform to his full potential until now though due to physical problems and injuries; but I’m convinced Ivan, and his teammates, will treat us to a world-class performance during the Tour.”
While Basso has been inked in on the team sheet for the whole season, his eight teammates have been selected by directeurs sportifs Stefano Zanatta and Dario Mariuzzo to support him throughout the race, but also to chase stage wins where the opportunity arises.
“You need athletic strength and an incredible spirit of sacrifice to race in the Tour de France,” said Zanatta. “That’s why we have chosen a group of riders in optimum physical condition who are ready to give everything they’ve got every day to support Basso and to fight for victory.”
So far this year Basso’s form has been inconsistent; while he won the GP di Lugano in February, and finished fourth in Tirreno-Adriatico in March, he has been less than impressive in other races; failing to finish the Vuelta al Pais Vasco and riding anonymously in the Tour de Suisse and the Critérium du Dauphiné.
A crash on the descent of Mount Etna while on a training camp, shortly after the Giro had visited, put his training behind schedule; the team clearly feels that he is ready for the Tour though.
“We’ve got a group of youngsters like [Daniel] Oss, [Kristjan] Koren, [Maciej] Bodnar, [Maciej] Paterski and [Fabio] Sabatini who are itching to make their mark and also guarantee us a sound level of experience.
“[Alessandro] Vanotti and [Paolo] Longo Borghini are seasoned racers who know how to move within the group and manage even the trickiest situations,” he continued. [Sylwester] Szmyd offers added value and will work with Basso on the tougher climbs: when we’re tackling the decisive stages and the group splits up, his help will be crucial for Ivan.”
While Basso sat out the Giro, Sabatini, Szmyd and Vanotti rode in support of Vincenzo Nibali, who finished the race in third place.
Liquigas-Cannondale team for the Tour de France:
Ivan Basso, Maciej Bodnar, Kristijan Koren, Paolo Longo Borghini, Daniel Oss, Maciej Paterski, Fabio Sabatini, Sylwester Szmyd and Alessandro Vanotti.