While Floyd Landis hones his Tour de France form in the Dauphiné Libéré this week, the Phonak team is gearing up for its most important home race, the Tour de Suisse between June 10-18. "We intend to provide a very exciting race with our version of a 'Swiss National Team', reinforced with Axel Merckx," said team manager John Lelangue. "The latest results by Gregory Rast (3rd at Gippingen) and Steve Morabito (2nd at the GP Schwarzwald) as well as the very good form displayed by Martin Elmiger and leader Alexandre Moos put us in a very confident mood. We can look forward to a very exciting and hopefully very successful week for our team."
Steve Morabito's primary goal will be to support his teammates and finish the race. He is looking forward to the fifth stage from La Chaux-de-Fonds to Leukerbad because it will pass just 5 km from his home town of Troistorrents. "The fact that I can take part in the Tour de Suisse is like a gift for me, my family and my fans," he commented.
Gregory Rast, who claimed a podium spot for the first time this season by taking 3rd place at the GP of the Canton of Aargau in Gippingen, will also enjoy a home stage at the Tour de Suisse. The second stage on Sunday, from Bremgarten to Einsiedeln, will pass through his training grounds. "During that stage I'll try to be right up there in front," said Rast.
In the two previous editions of the race, the 26 year-old twice claimed second place. "Now it's time for a win."
The full Phonak team is: Aurélien Clerc, Martin Elmiger, Alexandre Moos, Steve Morabito, Gregory Rast, Johann Tschopp and Steve Zampieri.
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