Canadian Svein Tuft takes low-key approach year after Worlds silver medal
Canadian time trial champion Svein Tuft (Garmin-Slipstream). (Image credit: Sirotti)
Canada's Svein Tuft is at ease with himself ahead of tomorrow's World Championship time trial in Mendrisio, Switzerland, one year on from his silver medal in Varese.
"I have a pretty low-key approach," he told Cyclingnews. "I know you are only capable of what you are on the day and there's not much you can do to change it, I don't stress over it. Certain days you can push yourself harder, but you normally you are what you are."
Tuft signed with top-level team Garmin-Slipstream prior to winning a silver medal behind Bert Grabsch (Germany) last year at the Worlds in Varese, Italy. He went on to ride a full season of European races this year, including the Eneco Tour and Vuelta a España in the last month.
"I feel like I have done some good work and built up to this day properly, plus I've rested well in the last days. I am looking forward to tomorrow, but it is hard to say what I will be capable of."
The time trial covers three 16.6-kilometre circuits for 49.8 kilometres. The 650-metre long Rancate, with sections of 10 percent, features each circuit.
Tuft has tailored his expectations with the return of two-time World Champion Fabian Cancellara (Switzerland). Cancellara skipped Worlds last year after winning the Olympic time trial and taking bronze in the Olympic road race.
This year Cancellara wants to win the Worlds time trial and the road race three days later. Tuft thinks his dual focus will not distract from his abilities in the time trial.
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"I think that guy can lay it all on the time trial and still do what he is hoping to do in the road race. The Olympics is a good example, he was not affected and took a gold and bronze."
Tuft will also race the road race on Sunday. It is part of the conclusion to what has been his first season racing cycling's most important races.
"This year's been a huge learning curve for me, but I feel like I am getting on top of it and I am adapting. I am happy with my progress."
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