Bobby Julich has been undoubtedly one of the star performers of 2005, riding with impressive form...
Another podium finish for Bobby Julich (Image credit: AFP)
One last big push
Bobby Julich has been undoubtedly one of the star performers of 2005, riding with impressive form from the start of the season right up until the end, taking victories at Paris-Nice, the Eneco Tour of Benelux, and Critérium International. The 34 year old American has no hesitation in describing 2005 as his best year yet, and says that it would be a perfect finale to the season if he was able to take home a rainbow jersey. He spoke with Cyclingnews' Shane Stokes before Thursday's big test against the clock.
Julich rode the Tour of Poland in order to prepare for his worlds goal, and while he was beaten in the TT there by Thomas Dekker, he says that he is confident that he will be at full power in Thursday’s elite men’s time trial. "The Tour of Poland TT result wasn't crucial," he said on Wednesday. "I had bonked so hard on the day before due to the conditions and coming through the caravan [after puncturing] that I didn't really feel that good in the time trial. It has no relation whatsoever to the this time trial; that was basically an uphill TT and he [Dekker] had the motivation of going for the overall in the race. My motivation was just to get through it and concentrate on the worlds."
Julich will be up against a host of strong riders on Thursday. Defending champion Michael Rogers, Alexandre Vinokourov, Fabian Cancellara, Thomas Dekker and Michael Rich are just some of those he must overcome to take gold. However the Olympic bronze medallist knows that this year he has stepped up another level in terms of form and, fuelled by a bigger hunger than perhaps at any point in his career, he will give his all to realise that rainbow ambition.
