THE BIG INTERVIEW: BRIAN HOLM

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Brian Holm is the calm, approachable Dane whose job it is to coax and cajole Mark Cavendish into becoming a world beating sprinter. The 45 year old was a respected domestique during a career that saw him ride on the same Telekom team as Bjarne Riis.

Last year Holm was one of the riders who admitted using EPO during his career but says he learned from his mistakes and wants to help a new generation win clean.

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Holm congratulates Cavendish after one of his four 2008 Tour de France stage wins

Does he remind you of anybody else as a rider?

BH: He?s maybe a little bit like Erik Zabel, because like Erik he?s got a really strong head.

We know his target races, more or less, but what do you think the challenges will be for
Mark in 2008 as a rider?

BH: Part of it he?s already achieved. Coming off the Kemmelberg climb in the first group at the Ghent-Wevelgem Classic was hugely important for his future development.

Everybody was saying he was going to win Wevelgem, but it?s not that easy to win. People should remember that two weeks before that he was riding round the track in Manchester.

But then he got over the Kemmel in the front. In 2007 he wouldn?t have been able to do that. Next year, he?ll win Wevelgem, or finish in the top three at the very least.

What do you think of his ability to combine track and road racing?

BH: I come from a track background myself and I love it, especially the Madison.

But I don?t think all these six-days and track stuff he did last winter have put him in great shape for the season. So maybe a little bit less track and a little bit more road would be better.

I can see him having a normal winter break, taking a week or two off, starting up slowly, maybe going running and doing a little bit of track work ? but just to get things going.

He should stay away from competition, stop chasing all the Olympic points in December and January. When he races the World Cups and everything all year round ? it?s too hard. He needs some time to relax and ease back a little. Disconnect a bit.

Any other changes we can expect in the future?

BH: Sooner or later Mark will lose a little bit more weight. That?ll come naturally.

But in general we?ve just got to let him grow at his own pace. Winning 11 races in 2007 has put him a long way ahead of guys the same age. Now he?s got to get to know the races better.

When you?re that young and riding one race after another it?s like you?re stuck inside a washing machine. You don?t know what?s coming up in each race, what?s round the next corner ? cobbles, roundabouts, or whatever... it?s tiring mentally.

Once you?re aware of what?s coming up, it?s a lot easier. And you win even more.

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