On the eve of the Tour de France, Colombian Nairo Quintana looked fresh and relaxed as he addressed the assembled media at the race headquarters in Saint-Lô. The Movistar rider reiterated his goal of winning the Tour de France with an aim at the third week as his chance to shine.
Of the race favourites, Quintana has had the most successful season so far - he's won three stage races in the Volta a Catalunya, Tour de Romandie and most recently the Route du Sud, and come third in the Tour de San Luis and Vuelta al Pais Vasco. He's also demonstrated improved time trialing abilities, winning in Route du Sud and coming a close second to Alberto Contador in Pais Vasco.
Still, he acknowledged it will be a tough battle between himself and his rivals, in particular defending Tour de France champion Chris Froome (Team Sky).
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"The objective of winning the Tour de France is possible this year even if it's going to be harder than ever because of the quality and quantities of the rivals," Quintana said. "We've prepared well for my yellow dream, and with the team that I have we have great possibilities. I feel relaxed and I have a great conditions. All the feelings this year have been positive in all the races I've done.
"I've had a similar preparation from last year, because that's what has worked well. I think, once again, that the third week is the most important."
Last year, Quintana lost a crucial 1:28 on stage 2 to Neeltje Jans when the peloton was split in the crosswinds of the Netherlands. He lost to Froome by 1:12 in the end, and clearly has the capability to beat Froome.
Some speculate Froome is coming into the Tour de France less prepared, having raced only four events this season, though he won the Critérium du Dauphiné and the Herald Sun Tour in February. If Froome has any weaknesses, Quintana says he has not yet found them.
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