Heras confirms at Liberty Seguros

[the other Steve Dennis]

This taken from http://www.cyclingnews.com

Does it mean there is another threat to Armstrong's weakening grasp on the crown?

Have you seen Sheryl Crow recently? She is obviously on Armstrong's diet and fitness regime and could do with a bit of meat on her!!! LOL!


Heras confirms at Liberty Seguros


Roberto Heras has confirmed that he will ride for the Spanish Liberty Seguros cycling team in 2004. Heras broke his silence about the move from US Postal-Berry Floor to the team run by former ONCE directeur sportif Manolo Saiz yesterday, telling the Spanish press that he was "very happy to return to Spain," after three seasons at US Postal.

"Negotiations have been lengthy, but have ended well," said Heras of the deal that will see him ride for Liberty Seguros for three years. "For me, it is an honour as a rider," said Heras. "I am very happy to return to Spain and to a great team like Liberty [Seguros] that has a director such as Manolo who has given so much to Spanish cycling and continues to do so."

Manolo Saiz expressed his delight at the acquisition of Heras, saying it was "great news for Spanish sport [as] one of the most important Spanish sportsmen returns to Spain, and also for Liberty as his incorporation allows us to form a great squad."

"This is a dream for both of us," said Saiz. "[Heras] is a rider who I have always liked. He escaped from me when he went to US Postal because I felt he should stay in Spain."

Saiz said the 2004 Tour de France would be a major objective for Liberty Seguros and Heras. "We have done very well there in recent years, and before joining US Postal Roberto had a very promising Tour. This year he was not himself because of illness, but last year he arrived at the top of the Tourmalet with Beloki. He always gives his utmost."

Saiz added that he had been very bitter after the demise of his ONCE team, but was happy to have found "a sponsor that provides a great deal of security. We are going to have a solid team and we are still open to new possibilities because you always have to try and go that bit further."

Asked if the team was stronger with Roberto Heras as leader than previous ONCE top rider Joseba Beloki, Saiz said, "I would have been pleased to have them both, as they are not incompatible." Beloki last month signed for French outfit Brioches la Boulangere.

With Heras confirmed as team leader, the Liberty Seguros line-up currently comprises Igor and Alvaro González de Galdeano, Isidro Nozal, Marcos Serrano, Alberto Contador, Angel Vicioso, Rafa Díaz, Rene Adrle, Allan Davis, Jan Hruska, Gianpaolo Caruso, Koldo Gil, Dariusz Baranowski, Luis León Sánchez, Carlos Barredo and Javier Ramírez.



Armstrong wishes Heras well

Meanwhile, in a Q&A on his official website, Heras' former team leader Lance Armstrong said, "I have to say that I wasn't terribly surprised. Roberto's a leader and had the opportunity to go and do that, plus get a longer term deal. I wish him well."

Armstrong also talks about the 2004 Tour de France, saying, "I suspect the competition will be deep," and his other plans for next season which might include a start at the Tour of the Gila in New Mexico, April 30 - May 4.

[Climber]

My old team mate Matt White (now rides for Us Postal) said that Lance is not very confident of a 6th Tour win as his team is weakening by the minute.

[Alan B]

did anyone see Armstrong's comments on Heras in Pro Cycling this month - cutting - i love it. Seems like if you leave US Postal, you are unlikely to remain on the Armstrong/Crow xmas card list.

[Elliot M]

Yeah LA was a bit dismissive of Heras in ProC wasn't he?

Maybe he is so focused on the TdF he didn't watch the Vuelta.

[Alan B]

i think they signed somebody to replace heras - Azevedo, and also Rincon

i guess as long as they can do the bottom 5k of Alpe d'Huez at 20 mph, they will be just fine..........

although it is a time trial this yr, it won't matter

[Rob]

there was a bit of talk during the tour about millar going to usps cos him and lance are such good buddies, has there been anything said there, or was it all just rumours (for now)>?

[Alan B]

millar signed a new deal at Cofidis at end of the TDF, i reckon he'll be there for some time