On Sunday, Roman Kreuziger will line up at the Amstel Gold Race to defend his surprise victory in the 2013 edition of the Dutch classic. After riding the Vuelta al Pais Vasco, however, the Czech doesn't feel at his best and is not too confident ahead of the defence of the biggest win of his career.

Last year, Roman Kreuziger took his biggest victory of his career when he soloed his way to the finish line and left everyone behind with 7 kilometers to go of Amstel Gold Race. In this interview, he reveals his thoughts about working with Alberto Contador, his present form and the upcoming Amstel Gold Race.  
 
What was it like winning the Vuelta Pais Vasco with Alberto?
 
“I mean, with Alberto everyone wants do their best and that’s what we did in Pais Vasco. He knows exactly how to motivate the team riders and staff members and for me as a road captain, it’s a pleasure to work with him. Of course, sometimes I see things differently than him but we talk a lot both between and during the stages. The biggest surprise to me during Pais Vasco was the pace during the race. It was really tough and I suffered quite a lot."
 
How is your form coming along?
 
“To be honest, I wasn’t at my best in Pais Vasco so it was hard for me but I’m sure that the race pace and the following recovery time will do me a lot of good. In the classics you need good shape  - but also a lot of luck,” underlines Kreuziger.
 
Do you feel ready for Amstel? 
 
“I don’t feel at my best yet but you never know. Even last year at this time, I felt really bad and at the end I won anyway. But I'm confident in terms of doing Fleche Wallone and Liege-Bastogne. Rory (Sutherland), Karsten (Kroon), Nicki (Sørensen) and I are ready, experienced and I'm sure that you are gonna see our Tinkoff jersey there,” he concludes.