Ivan Basso and Roman Kreuziger will spearhead the Liquigas-Doimo charge in the Volta a Catalunya, which starts in two days time, and directeur sportif Alberto Volpi believes that both will be prominent in the race.
"We have the right men to fight for the top positions, and to chase successes on stages,” the Liquigas manager said. “Basso faces the first step towards the Tour of Italy and is racing to find his best rhythm. Kreuziger has already faced two short stage races that allowed him to improve his condition.”
Kreuziger has already topped the podium twice this season, landing a stage plus the overall victory in the Giro di Sardegna. Team sprinter Jacopo Guarnieri was third on a stage there and also second in the Giro del Friuli. Volpi also anticipates a good showing from him.
“From Guarnieri, I expect signs of growth: he is a rider with great potential and Catalonia may see him rediscover the winning feeling."
Basso has had a steadier start to the season. He is targeting the Giro d’Italia and the Tour de France this year, and he knows that he needs to build form gradually. He now believes he is in the necessary shape to make an impression on the race, having worked hard in training to improve his level.
"I have increased the number of hours in order to improve the quality of my pedalling, and I will arrive at the Volta a Catalunya in a good condition,” he explained. “I am determined to ride to the best of my ability. I am also looking for feedback on the training I have done, which so far has progressed without any problems. I desire to race and to measure myself up against my opponents; that is a very important stimulus.”
The team will be completed by Francesco Bellotti, Robert Kiserlovski, Kristjan Koren, Brian Bach Vandborg and Sylvester Szmyd, who is making his season debut.