Landa: "Nairo says things straight, that's how I am"

[Warlock-]

 

Mikel Landa leaves on Wednesday for Brussels to take part in the Tour. He does not renounce anything, not even victory. Then, on the fly, you will see if you settle for the podium or victory at some stage of the French round. The weekend of the Pyrenees will be very special for him, since he will be surrounded by all Basque fans. Also for your family and your friends. And it has marked in red the day of the Tourmalet. In fact, he was in Andorra concentrated for a few days and resigned to the Nationals to inspect the land in situ. The Tour de France is approaching. The most important moment of the season, right? Yes, it's a very special race. The Giro is almost forgotten and now we must focus on this appointment. How are you right now? Very good, very motivated and with good legs sensations. After the Giro I had good workouts and I think I came in a good shape. Apart from the competition, we talked about an important exam to be able to decide later on your future, right? Well, now I want to focus only on the Tour and then I'll start to study the options you have. Will it end next year in Bahrain-Merida? Some contact has occurred, but nothing signed, nor is there any decision made. Has there been any offer of renewal by Movistar? No, not yet. Two years ago he signed on the phone after doing a great Giro and then, after an incredible Tour, more powerful offers arrived, but he could not study anymore. Did you learn from that experience and apply it now? I can only say that I am very satisfied with the decision I made in his day and that I am very happy with the team I am on. This year they go with trident, with only leader or with two headliners? It will be similar to the past, with several victory options. Then we'll see how we all behave on the road and what we can fight for each one. How is your relationship with Nairo? It's good, very professional. Then there is the outside morbid and those things from the media, but our relationship is cordial. But then he goes to his country and says some uncomfortable things, does not he? He is a person who says what he thinks and faces things. In that sense I also tend to be a bit like that. Nothing happens. It is normal that we all want the collective good, but also think about our performance and personal results.

But then he goes to his country and says some uncomfortable things, does not he? He is a person who says what he thinks and faces things. In that sense I also tend to be a bit like that. Nothing happens. It is normal that we all want the collective good, but also think about our performance and personal results. Who are your main rivals? Well, there are many. Egan Bernal is winning everything he runs. Thomas, who won the Tour last year. Fuglsang is dangerous, but also Kruijswijk or Nibali for example. Then there is always one that you do not expect. This year I do not see anyone who stands out from the others in a special way.

There is a new generation of cyclists of 18, 19 or 20 who come very strong: Higuita, Evenepoel, Van Aert, Pogacar or Bernal himself. Well, we will have to hurry before they start to really win and leave us nothing to those we are now. But you still have several games to play, right? I hope so, I hope so. How do you see the layout of this Tour? -Well, it seems suitable for those of us who walk well in the mountains. There is not much time trial and then you have to climb the ports of the Massif Central, Pyrenees and Alps. I hope not to have falls or health problems to lose as little time as possible at first and then arrive in good condition to the mountain. Individual chronometer of 27 km and another with similar equipment mileage. Yes, it is normal for me to leave more time in the individual than in the teams. But you have to try to make it as good as possible. What happened to him in the first time of the Giro? The alergies. The olive trees were in bloom and I could not breathe well. You have to know how to manage those things well and every moment of the season. Vaccination does not assure you either that you will not have problems. Is there a stage marked in red in the road book? The same as the Tourmalet, which has a very hard end, where all the Basque fans will be cheering. I have been able to review the stages of the Pyrenees and also those of the Alps. People will arrive very worn out in recent weeks and they will surely be decisive. Speaking of the Basque fans, has there been any progress between the Foundation that you chair and Euskadi Murias? They suggested that you could walk towards a fusion of the projects, but you commented that the rhythms and steps were different.

We have not sat down again and things have not changed since then. What sport balance makes this campaign with them? Very good. For example, as a team, we are very happy for the victory of Gotzon Martín in Portugal (Abimota) and for the behavior of the girls from Laboral Kutxa. They are working great at the group level.