Liu Xiang is ready to begin his 2011 season as he gets set to take part in the men's 60m hurdles at an International Indoor Meet in Dusseldorf, Germany on Friday. For Liu, this event is not so much about winning as it is about finding out where he is at, healthwise.

After 17 hours of travel...leaving the Pudong airport in Shanghai, arriving in Frankfurt and then transferring to Dusseldorf where Liu Xiang will begin his 2011 season, a tired Liu Xiang has arrived in Germany.

For the former 110m hurdles Olympic Champion, the 60m has never been his strong suit. Liu, known for his powerful second half to his races.

For the Chinese hero, winning in Germany will come second to finding his feel for the new season as he gets in the blocks with the best in the world.

In each of his two races, Liu will be in tough...first,against old rival Dayron Robles...the 2008 Olympic Champion and 110m hurdles world record holder.

The other race, will see Liu line up against American powerhouse David Oliver...currently ranked first in the world.

Liu says he isn't putting any pressure on himself as he begins his season.

"Both of them take seven steps from the start to reach the first hurdle. That means they will have a very good start and good first half. As for myself, I've never been as good as them over the first 60 meters of hurdles in the first place, so I will just try following closely. No real pressure, but very relaxed. I hope to truly enjoy myself in the race. "said Liu Xiang,Chinese hurdler.

Liu Xiang does have another purpose for this trip, which is to test the rehabilitation of his injured achilles tendon after his winter training session.

In March of 2010, Liu took part in the Doha World Championships, finishing in 7th place. However, after that race, testing revealed his foot was still not fully recovered.

Since then, Liu has slowed down his schedule and has even headed to the United States for a second round of intensive treatment.

Liu says his foot may finally be nearing full recovery...but that the only way to find out if he is there, is through pushing himself to the limit against the best in the world.

"I hope my training can be tested through these races... This is what the competition is for." Liu Xiang said.

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