– Theres one month left for the start. What are your feelings for the 2005 Dakar?
Im really looking forward to the start. Were a bit tired of testing and now we are in a phase where testing is over and the only thing we can do is to wait. However, Im looking forward to January 1st because starting from Barcelona, in front of our people and joined by family and friends is something that motivates you a lot. I feel great, excited and eager to get to Africa to start riding and to see how far I can get.
– How have you prepared the race and what are the differences with regard to last year?
When it comes to talking about preparation, I want to say a very special thank you to Repsol who made a big effort to allow us to take part in this years Raid World Cup. Weve practically made two Dakars before starting and that means having thousands of kilometres on the bike. This is the main difference for me compared to last year. Thanks to our participation in all those races we feel more confident, self-secure and that makes you feel reassured as well because it will allow us be in the top positions.
– Your big aim will be fighting for the podium. Are you ready for it?
I think I am. The work done throughout the year has been good and it has to allow us to be at a high level in the Dakar. I think this is the year where my team-mate Isidre Esteve, who has been at the Dakar eight times, has the chance to reach the top. It will be my fourth year and although I feel very well and I wont renounce anything, I will race with the main aim of doing good teamwork. Im convinced that this is the right approach before the start and with no doubt the most sensible.
– What would you highlight of this years route?
It will be for sure a very hard Dakar, and it will be decided as always in Mauritania. From the sections I know of the route I suppose that the navigation difficulties are going to be bigger than last year. That will turn the race much more complicated but on the other hand it will be in our favour, because the race pace will be slower and consequently safer. Another key point will be the marathon stages. Not being able to have mechanical assistance will be an absolutely decisive factor for the classification.
– This has been a very intense season; whats your assessment?
Superb. You have to take into account that after the injury in the Dakar I spent a lot of time recovering. During the last months, however, Ive been able to ride many kilometres, I finished second in Morocco and Tunisia, I won the Baja Aragón and three stages in Dubai. The assessment is fantastic, especially because Ive been able to get a good pace throughout the year and that makes me feel more comfortable on the bike. Its a key element and the factor that sets this season apart.
