One of the Tour of Almaty favourites spoke about his physical condition and shared his impressions of the Southern Capital.
One of the Tour of Almaty favourites spoke about his physical condition and shared his impressions of the Southern Capital.
One of the most talented cyclists of the world, Spaniard Luis León Sánchez is ready to return to competition after his fall during the Tour de France this summer. He’d injured his shoulder, but has recovered almost completely. His choice of the place to compete for the prize again is Kazakhstan where a two-day cycling race of the Tour of Almaty-2018 starts already today, September 29.
- Luis, what are your personal expectations from the Tour of Almaty?
- It’s hard to tell as this will be my first start after the fall during the Tour de France. I am very serious about it, but as far as my functionality concerns – let’s see how I feel during the race.
- This is your first race in Kazakhstan. How do you feel about it?
- I’m glad that I’m back in the competitive process. Definitely, the Tour of Almaty won’t be easy – there are pretty strong teams so the competition will be high. Of course, first and foremost, it is important to help Astana win home, in Kazakhstan. We will have to do everything we can. We will have two difficult days.
- Before you, the Tour of Almaty has already seen such great names as Vincenzo Nibali, Fabio Aru, Jacob Fuglsang.
- It once again emphasizes the status of this race which becomes only stronger every year – more teams, more athletes. So, I’ll repeat that it’s important for us to have a good run at the Kazakhstani race.
- How do you feel about Almaty?
- It seems to me that Almaty is perfectly suitable by all accounts for large international cycling races. Nice weather, climate, mountains, many people who are interested in sports and show support for their team. That’s why I like everything here.
- What can you say about the potential of the Kazakh riders – your teammates in the Astana?
- No doubt, they possess excellent abilities. Gidich, Lutsenko, Bizhigitov are good guys who always push to their limits. It’s not seen to everyone, but they do a crazy amount of work during each race, and it’s not something just anyone can do. I think Kazakh riders are progressing and able to struggle for leadership in the most important competitions.