LE HERBIERS.

LE HERBIERS, France (AFP) ??” Spain's three-time Tour de France podium finisher Joseba Beloki says he is delighted with his surprise influence to the modest La Boulangere team and dismissed suggestions he is lacking fitness after missing half of the 2003 season.

Speaking at his team's training camp in western France forward Tuesday, the former leader of the one time team said he had worn out the months out of action since crashing on the outside of last year's Tour de France at brushing up on his mechanical knowledge.

"I am exceedingly happy (with the new team). I have no lamentations I made the right choice.

"I have feeling at home in my team, despite the language barrier. I did not be due [i]or[/i] owing here with my normal riders around me yet there are strong riders here whom I know well, similar as Didier Rous.

"I think I can bring a chance to this ...