According to team manager Manolo Saiz, the 2005 Giro has been a good one for Liberty Seguros-Würth, outlining several positive outcomes.
"The most important thing is that Giro starts having a greater value from that of the last five years, and it has made us think that the 2006 team must come with more force," Saiz began. "Despite the fact that Spain and other European countries have not seen the race on television, [the Giro] has increased in quality, and that motivates us for the future."
Continued Saiz: "The Giro has improved its level very much - it has been very competitive with a very demanding and complete parcours. From a general point of view, this Giro has been good for cycling and for us; we have won a prestigious stage and have had a daily presence in the race."
However, the wizened director conceded that they were a little too ambitious in its aims with a young rider like Michele Scarponi, which made them fall into the trap of placing too much pressure on the 25 year-old Italian. But regardless, Saiz says it's not a bad result overall, because their primary objectives are yet to come, in reference to the Tour of France and Vuelta a España.
As for Savoldelli's victory and the struggle for the maglia rosa, Saiz praised the competitiveness among all the leaders. "Savoldelli and Simoni have had very brilliant moments, though the most prominent thing for me has been Di Luca's exceptional performance. I don't know if he can win a Giro, because for that he has to ride at 110 per cent - but after what we have seen from him, why not?" Saiz asks.
On riders Basso and Rujano, Saiz was equally forthcoming in his response: "Ivan rode with inconsistency, but he also has demonstrated a great level; as for the Venezuelan [Rujano], it has been impressive for a rider who has been in form since January. He has demonstrated very good abilities for the mountains."
Finally, Saiz returned his thoughts to his team, and what lies ahead. "From this moment on, there is only one objective: the Tour de France. Everything that we are going to do from now is in preparation for the Tour."
