In an interview with Velo101 Joan Mas, general manager of the Kelme-Costa Blanca team said everything was settled for the Tour de France.

Could you tell us where your team stands now?

“Pépé Quiles has confirmed that everything will be settled for the tour. There will be no other sponsor than Kelme-Costa Blanca. The riders will receive their salary that hasn't been paid out so far and we will light up the Tour like it is supposed to be done.”

What about next season?

“Well, logically, another partner should replace Kelme.”

Have you decided already which team will be selected for the Tour de France?

“Yes, we certainly would have Santiago Botero, Oscar Sevilla, Enrique Gutierrez, Antonio Tauler, Francisco Cabello, Angel Vidal, José Manuel Cuenca and Santiago Perez.”

And what are your ambitions?

“Well, we will start of the race to win of course, even if Armstrong is superior.”

We saw in the Classique des Alpes that the individuals can endangeour the most important leaders, what do you think?

“Yes, it's true. But the Classique des Alpes if still far away from the Tour. Not only in time, but strategy. It's another effort, the competitors are more numerous and at the top of their form in July.”

With such climbers, the KOM-jersey could be part of your team strategy…

“It's an ambition but no priority. We would first of all like to be combative, taking initiatives, be at the front and let's not forget the team classification.”

Will the jersey for best youngster stay with Kelme?

“Yes, with Santi Perez this year.”