Boogerd improving

Michael Boogerd (Rabobank) is recovering well from his broken foot, and is riding the Vuelta al Pais Vasco at the moment, where he is in an impressive 10th position on GC. Boogerd looks to be ready in time for "his" races: Amstel Gold and Liege-Bastogne-Liege.

Before the start of stage 4, Boogerd told De Telegraaf, "This is the second day that I am riding without my foot being completely taped up. I didn't get any more x-rays done before I came here, but the break has healed well. And the pain is gone, but super? No, it's still not going all right yet."

Boogerd showed he had decent condition in the tough stage 2, where he made it to the finish with the lead group. "There I noted that my condition was in order, but I still have pains all over my body. Our soigneur has worked overtime!"

Boogerd is the best placed rider on his team in the Vuelta, which wasn't the intention before the race. "That also leads to stress. Mentally, that's saps you, but yes, I'm there now and you don't give up your spot easily."