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Interview with Ralf Grabsch

 31/03/2024

 The 2008 season is your third with Team MILRAM. What kind of start did your season have?
Actually, just like every year. It wasn't an easy start, but I'm the kind of rider who just needs a little time to get going. But my legs are getting better, so I am actually quite optimistic for the coming weeks.

There are some new riders on the team. As an experienced pro, how do you see the integration of the new riders?
Very good. We do have some new riders this year, who have all been well accepted and integrated. They are all very young, very motivated and ambitious riders, who surely have a lot still to learn. I find that the combination of older experienced riders and the youngsters is a good one.

You are known as a Classics rider, as you showed last year in your long solo escape in Paris-Roubaix. Now the big one-day races are approaching. What do you have planned for the Spring Classics this year?
I am looking forward to them and have specially prepared. Of course I want to do well. I am ready to take on those 260 kilometers. I know the course and know what to expect. Naturally I will need the good legs which are necessary for such a race, and I need the right nose to catch the right situation. When I think of last year's Paris-Roubaix, then I know that maybe I could have pulled off something really big, if I hadn't broken away quite so early. I have to stay calm and wait, and I have learned from that experience.

What do you plan for the rest of the 2008 season, and what can we expect of you after the Spring Classics?
There are also other goals this year. I would certainly not be sad to win a stage in the Tour de France. But first I have to make the Tour team, that is one goal. I will do everything I can in order to be there again. There are also two races here in Germany that are very important to us, the Deutschland Tour and Vattenfall Cyclassics. We can play a big role in both of those with our strong team.

Were you familiar with MILRAM, before you came to Team MILRAM?
Yes, of course. I bought their products even before I joined Team MILRAM. They are delicious. For example, the buttermilk. I especially like the strawberry and lemon flavored buttermilk, and buy them regaularly.

How important is it to you to have a personal identification with the sponsor and its products?
It couldn't be better for me. I identify 100 percent with MILRAM. I was very lucky. We can be happy, that NORDMILCH sponsors pro cycling. As riders of course we want to pay that back with good performances.

What is like to ride for a line of dairy products?
It makes me feel fresh. You associate milk with nature, with cows outside. That's how it is with us cyclists too, we are also outside in all kinds of weather. That is a good basis and makes a good comparison.

How important are milk and milk products for you?
Milk products belong to my daily intake. There are many important vitamins there. Buttermilk and cheese also contain a lof of important ingredients which we need and are simply imoportant. The propoer nutrition is very important to me.