March 7...
In his 2004 racing debut, Gary Casella started with a splash.  Before turning a pedal stroke in competition, he was briskly taken away by radio station Radio Crystal 1470am, Uruguay's sports radio station that covers all the nations top sporting events including being official radio station of the Vuelta de Uruguay.

In his 8 minute live interview, Gary was asked a series of questions ranging from his background, the iomega-Orbea squad, its participation in the Vuelta, the teams goals, roster and his outlook for his first race in Uruguay.

His responses were all in his native Spanish and kept things casual and humble.  

On the squads participation he replied that the team will use this year's race to gain valuable experience for all its riders as racing for 10 stages is much different from the US.  The teams goals are to try to go for some stage results with some possible high GC finish from the team's two young guns Esteban Jukich, and Eric Ransom.   

Gary also confirmed the team's roster for the Vuelta de Uruguay, siting the exclusion of iomega rider Justin Mayfield, and replaced him with friend and local Boise racer Michael Cauffman on loan from Lactic Acid for the Vuelta.

"Mike is a real competitor and fits into our squad nicely for this race.  His excitement to join us is also contagious and I'm glad to have him onboard for this race."

 The rest of the team was confirmed to be Chris Abbruzzese, Tad Hamilton, Eric Ransom, Gary Casella and Esteban Jukich.

On his 2004 debut, Gary kept a low profile as he knows the locals here are all at 90-100% on form and this would be his first race in five months.

 "I'm here to get all the arrangements for the Vuelta organized and take advantage of the sunshine and weather and get some training in.  I also have a lot of family here in Uruguay that I am making time to visit while I am here.  I hope to be back on form in a months time for the start of the Vuelta.  I'll be lacking the racing in my legs today and I'll be very happy to finish in the peloton.  I plan on racing each weekend to gauge my fitness to be sure I am on track for the Vuelta.  It'll be a dream to participate and finish the Vuelta as my grandfather and father always talked to me about it growing up.  Its a pleasure to be here and to be on the radio with Radio Crystal."

After the interview Gary commented "I had no idea they were going to interview me,  Its a good thing as I didn't have a chance to get nervous!  Next thing I knew I had a mike in front of me and they are saying Special announcement of the upcoming Vuelta, hear we are with Gary Casella...and Bam here came the questions"