Lance might be feeling “really, really good!” about his training but he’s still got these wise words for visitors to his website;

“Dudes and dudettes – it’s V-Day – if you forgot the one you even were considering snuggling with, you’re toast unless you act fast! Doesn’t hurt to call mom either – get on it.”

Meanwhile back in the serious scheme of things Lance is more than happy with the way his training is going;

“Based on some tests we did while in Valencia, my condition is actually a couple of months ahead of where I was last year… I think I am still in my years of improvement – late 20s, early 30s… the shorter off season helped some, I think – and I’ve done a fair bit of training as well. I’ve never really been off the bike, and I’ve kept my weight down as well. I’m at 76.5 kilos (168.7 pounds) right now, and that’s only 2-3 kilos away from my Tour weight…”

So with Beloki re-programmed by Once and Ullrich at the head of the big money Telekom team it looks like the 2001 tour is shaping up to be another classic.