Magnus Backstedt interview

ProTourNews: Thing have changed a lot since we last spoke? You've signed to Slipstream, a brand new team, bike and a new outlook on the year ahead?
Magnus Backstedt: Definitely, it's been a long wait to get the new kit on and start working properly for the team. The training camp we had in Boulder, US earlier this year went really well, it was unbelievable. There's something special about the setup, and it's working really well together.

PTN: Before this change, you spent several years with Italian outfit Liquigas. Is it different now riding for us team? Is the environment different?
MG: They've got a different way of doing things over there. We don't do things because that's how they've always been done in the past. Jonathan (Vaughters) is always looking for the best way to solve a problem, and I quite like that idea, it's a fresh approach. And it's the way he thinks, “which is the best way to do it”. There's less pressure. We've already been in the windtunnel this year. It's the little bits that make the difference.

PTN: The team boasts some big names (David Zabriskie, David Millar, Christian Vande Velde and Julian Dean). Are you and the others feeding much input into this new team at all? Do you have much of say?
MB:Not really. Jonathan listens a lot to the guys in the team, but ultimately he's in charge. He listens, takes on board, but he's the man in charge, he makes the decisions. That's the big difference. It's an interesting way of doing things.

PTN: What are the teams aims for the year? What will be your role in the team and the new line-up?
MB :My personal goal as ever is Paris Roubaix, and make sure I do a big ride there. The tours a goal, but we're not 100% sure we'll get there, but we think we've got a high chance. We've got a high caliber of riders. We have the confidence to get there; we have to perform properly to get there. The team is going to be focused on getting there.

PTN: Is there a different approach to racing with the US team compared to the Italian Liquigas team before? Any team tactics?
MB: The good thing is when we first rode together in Boulder, there didn't seem to be anyone sticking out over all the others, given all the big names. It's a good thing; it's one for all and all for one. I don't think there's anyone who's going to be designated team rider, we're all there to work together for the team. For the first time in my life I felt true this year, we're all starting on the same level.

PTN: It's certainly a strong lineup then?
MB: It's is a very god strong lineup yes, and we've got some great individuals. But the way Jonathan is running the team; it's a very cohesive group. There are no stars; we're all there in the same boat. We're there to work, ultimately. It's the only time I've had that sort of direction. We'll be working hard for each other.

PTN: Along with the change of race kit, is of course a new bike, with the team supported by Felt.How are they?
MB: I have done a fair bit on the them. I've got two different models of the same bike, the Z1 and new F1 Sprint. The Sprint is a very very stiff, very good bike. I was a little worried about setting the bike up, doing a lot of modifications. But the Sprint is absolutely brilliant.

PTN: Surely a rider of your level could ride any bike quickly though?
MB: Once you've got it setup you can ride any bike, but it's a question of how it handles, and for me personally is it stiff enough, which is the problem. So when you get something off the peg, and it feels good, it saves a lot of work and time. I've spoken to Jim Felt loads and he's keen on getting my feedback so he can make an even better product in a year's time. The trouble is I really enjoy doing it. Jim seems really happy getting all the feedback he can.

PTN: It's a big step forwards for Felt isn't it? Have they been very involved in the team?
MB: Straight away. As soon as I got the contract within twoweeks they had delivered a bike. They wanted to get me on something straight away, and get out there and see how it felt, and work out which bike was going to work out best for me. Jim has been absolutely phenomenal, on the ball with sorting the bikes out, and listening to us.

PTN: Talking of getting out on the bike, training. What motivates you to get out training. Especially when it's wet and raining?
MB: You do have to motivate yourself, the first day when it's wet isn't so bad, a little rain isn't going to hurt you but when you get to the fourth day, for example, it gets a little difficult. But then again, I know what I need to do and just have to get on and do it, to do my training properly.

PTN: How many hours?
MB:About 32 hours a week.

PTN: Longest ride?
MB: Seven hours. But it varies, depending on how cold and wet it is. You can't really do seven hours in the wet. I don't much mind the cold, but not the wet.

Magnus will be aiming for victory at this weekends Paris Roubaix, which he won in 2004, and adding another unique cobble trophy to his mantelpiece.