We caught up with Thomas Löfkvist ahead of arguably the biggest test of his career, a leadership role at the Giro d’Italia.

After a strong performance at the 2010 Tour de France, it was only a matter of time before the Swede was handed the opportunity to go toe-to-toe with the world’s best stage racers with the weight of a team behind him.

The 27-year-old was typically laid-back in the run-up to the race but insists the team can spring a surprise in what looks set to be one of the toughest Grand Tours ever. A brutal prospect from start to finish, this year’s event will reward consistency and climbing prowess, two traits Löfkvist has in abundance.

Quietly confident with his preparation, an attack in the closing stages of La Flèche Wallonne was just one of a number of glimpses at a rider honing his form for what he admits is his main target this season.

He told us: “I had good sensations in the Ardennes Classics and since then I've also been feeling good. Now with a couple of easy days I should be in good shape for the start of the Giro on Saturday.

“I had a couple of rest days after Liege then I did a hard block of training with Kjell Carlström, then I had a couple more easy days after that.

“We’ve done a fair bit of climbing in the high mountains and efforts in the climbs which is obviously necessary with the parcours in Italy.”

Raring to go

With a number of riders admitting a nervous apprehension ahead of a route that includes seven mountain top finishes, in contrast, where others see danger, Löfkvist sees opportunity.

He added: “I’m looking forward to it. It is my main goal this year and this is what I’ve been preparing for but I’m really looking forward to getting started now.

“We are not here to kill the bunch. I think the team has a great opportunity to get a stage victory or two and for myself I hope I can place myself really high up on the GC.

“The route is super hard. I think they probably went a bit over the top with it but it is the same for everyone. Everybody has to climb the same mountains.

“It will be important that you use your energy in the right way. You have to minimise the time losses which means you have to be good and consistent all the time.”

Reinforcements

Löfkvist arrives in Italy flanked by a strong team of riders. A potent mix that blends youth and experience, the nine-man squad is one which the Swede is happy to go into battle alongside.

He said: “We have a good mix in the team. We have a couple of guys who are trying their first grand tour. But then again half the guys have been there before. [Dario] Cioni came fourth in the Giro and Carlström had been riding in support of Ivan Basso for years. So we have a lot of experience too.”

Returning to the Giro will always be special for Löfkvist, who in 2009 added his name to a prestigious list of riders who have pulled on the iconic maglia rosa leader’s jersey.

“For sure it brings back a lot of good memories so it will be nice to come back again. In general I like racing in Italy and the Giro is the biggest race they have. For sure it is a really nice race,” he reflected.

“In the Giro I think [Vincenzo] Nibali (Liquigas) and [Alberto] Contador (Saxo Bank-Sungard) are the really main guys. Then it will be quite open after that I’d say.”

We wish thomas good luck !
GO Götland