Liquigas to open season in Qatar

Italian ProTour squad Liquigas will begin their final pre-season training camp in Cecina, Italy tomorrow ahead of the team's first race of 2007, the Tour of Qatar, starting on January 28. Besides training itself, the 30-strong team will discuss medical matters during a meeting with Dr Mario Zorzoli from the UCI.

"We will spend ten important days to cement the understanding between riders and technical staff," said general manager Roberto Amadio. "This is the third meeting, the second one with the whole team, that will let us check the quality of training undertaken by athletes, also with some tests. We will divide the team into three groups and will dedicate special care to the group including Pozzato, Paolini and Chicchi, the riders expected to have a good start to the season."