Mayo and Millar Tour ready

David Millar and Iban Mayo, who met today with a cadre of journalists prior to Saturday's start to the Tour de France, are confident and ready for action according to their team.

"I'm excited about tomorrow's race," said Millar, a favorite for the opening prologue. "I don't know what's going to happen, but I'm a bit worried because I fell during the Tour de Romandie in May. But I'm highly motivated, and that's enough. The prologue parcours doesn't require special technical skills, so results can surprise us. However, I can tell that the big favourites are Cancellara, Wiggins, Zabriskie, Schumacher and me."

Iban Mayo, on the other hand, is going into the Tour more relaxed than ever. He expects the best possible outcome. "In the last three years, the Tour wasn't what I'd expected. I suffered falls, diseases, etc. but this time I've done everything to put in a good performance," said Mayo.

"I'm very excited about the Tour and I think I'm more relaxed now. I believe I can be well positioned, although I know very well that everybody arrives here in excellent shape," he added. "To me, this is a different Tour because now I'm wearing a different jersey. When I defended Euskaltel's colours, I felt I was under some pressure, given the number of fans this team have. I know people still support me, so I'll start the Tour with the same hope as ever but more relaxed."

Mayo, Millar, and their teammates will don special jerseys with the statement "100 years for a million trees" for the team's initiative of planting one tree in desert areas in Mali for every kilometre ridden by team riders this season.

See also: Cyclingnews' pre-Tour interview with David Millar.