older.  Or I have over estimated my body.  The amount of effort it takes to ride continues to rise.  That?s what I?ve learned this spring.?  Ullrich added that, ?I could be 2 or 3 kilos less but I?ve trained a lot and added muscle mass. This is not the first time that I?ve been in this situation,? he told Bild am Sonntag.

Of the other pretenders to Armstrong?s throne this July, its fellow American Tyler Hamilton (Phonak) who could turn some heads and make people take note.  Following his now well-publicised broken collarbone in last year?s event,
Hamilton is determined more than ever to challenge for the top spot.  ?I?ve been given a lot more freedom to make choices to build the team for the Tour de France.  Riders, Equipment?  Basically everything is focused on the Tour de France.  I?ll try to win but you also have to be realistic.  Lance has won the past five tours and Jan Ullrich has never been less than second, and even then you have many other riders who are strong.  I train like I want to win, but I have to be in better condition than last year.?

So that?s it from me for another week.  Keep your thoughts and comments coming in to ian@roadcycling.com. Take it easy and as always, keep it rubber side down ­- the alternative hurts!

Ian