Gerrikagoitia pleased so far

Euskaltel`s directeur sportif in Paris-Nice, Gorka Gerrikagoitia, had this to say to www.fundacioneuskadi.com after today`s second stage: "The race is panning out like we predicted. Samuel Sánchez and Mikel Astarloza both rode a good prologue and was sufficiently ahead. Yesterday it was Ivan Velasco`s turn to be a protagonist. He was very strong and gave showed that we`re avtice. Today, though, we were present in some attacks, but we couldn`t get a man into the main break. The quality of this race is very high, so it`s difficult to always be ahead." Speaking on tomorrow`s stage, he said: " 215 kms is a lot, so it will be a long stage. We`ll try to join the breaks. Though, Thursday is the stage of Mende, a stage that will surely be decisive. Maybe after that stage the racing will become a bit more controlled." He also spoke of Euskaltel`s chances in this race:" Samuel and Mikel (Astarloza, not Irizar), are both feeling good. They are getting more and more kms into their legs, and by each day they`re getting more competitive. As always, this race is very selective, so it`s vital to stay with the best ones. The Paris-Nice is a very important race for all teams present, so the level is high, and the prestige to win is equally as high. The team is working well, so we hope to keep riding strong."