Alejandro Valverde is targeting ‘to fight for the general classification’ at the Tour de France 2012
Alejandro Valverde is amongst the only few top cyclists who have found form early on the season. He is now looking ahead at the Tour de France as the next big goal of his season.
The cyclist has already secured four wins in the young season including an overall victory.
He finished first during the Vuelta a Andalucia, second during the Tour Down Under and third overall at the Paris-Nice.
He also claimed stages at the Paris-Nice, Tour Down Under and the Vuelta a Andalucia including the point’s classifications at the Spanish race.
The Spaniard has participated in a maximum number of ten Grand Tours throughout his career including four Tour de France and six Vuelta participations under his belt.
He finished sixth during the Tour de France 2007,ninth overall at the 2008 version of the race and has not raced since then.
Alejandro achieved the first overall spot during the Vuelta a Espana 2009 and has also finished at the podium during the 2003 and the 2006 editions of the race.
While commenting on his chances during the Tour de France 2011 he told L’Equipe, "I knew I had good shape as I had trained well at home, but I didn't think I would be able to do such a good season start”.
“But during the suspension, I did exactly what I did before. I trained regularly, and I had two peaks of form during the year. I trained as though I was competing, but without competing", he concluded.
Despite Gilbert’s dipping performance in 2012, Alejandro cited that the Belgian is the only real threat to his classics goals for the season.
He explained that Belgian has already shown his class in the past season and is definitely capable of repeating his 2011 performance.
"To me, Gilbert was the best rider in the world last year," the Spaniard continued. "I would love to be able to deliver a grand duel against him in the Ardennes Classics”, Valverde explained.
The 31-year-old is aware of the fact that it will not be an easy task to overcome the likes of Bradley Wiggins, Cadel Evans and Andy Schleck.
Alejandro has rated Andy Schleck as his favourite contender for the overall victory during the Tour de France 2012.
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