He was forced to withdraw from the Giro d'Italia due to a nasty, infected abrasion - which still bothers him.
- I do not have those pains now, it works well, I have received my special shoe.
However, I should check it out for the winter and have an operation.
I have a lump, says Tobias Ludvigsson.
- Cartilage has formed or so.
But he is now able to compete.
Ludvigsson has recently been at a high altitude camp for about three weeks to prepare for the Vuelta a Espana, this year's last Grand Tour competition, which kicks off tomorrow, Saturday.
- It has really gone well before, I have eaten right and trained seriously.
The shape feels good.
"Frustrating"
The 30-year-old recently participated in the Swedish Championship competition in Lekeryd, a course he designed himself.
However, the race did not go quite as he had hoped.
- I opened well, but then I had problems with nerves that got pinched.
It was just to keep stepping and shaking it.
It was frustrating.
Ludvigsson has had the problem for a long time.
It's about numbness in the leg that the Swedish star does not manage to get rid of.
- I have done all possible tests and scanners that can be done.
No one really knows what the problem is.
You are a bit given up, everyone says different things.
You get a little dizzy in the ball.
Clear role
However, the Groupama FDJ cyclist has learned to deal with the concern.
He switches off the power when needed and times the pressure at, for example, an uphill slope.
And his role in Vueltan is clear.
- It is mainly on the flat stages, to assist our sprinter.
Then I want to be part of outbursts and take the chances there.
I will try to score as many and win a stage.
The team's goal?
- Win stages.
We do not have a cyclist for total placement.
Starts with tempo races
Competition during the corona pandemic means tough restrictions.
Before each trip, the cyclists must be tested - to be allowed to fly.
- We have a protocol and we need to do two corona tests within six days.
We live a little in a bubble.
Although the focus is on the flat stages, he is currently focusing on what comes closest: the start with a pace race of eight kilometers.
- It should fit when it is under ten kilometers. But there are many good teams with many good ones.