Jakob Degenkolb targeting the Tour de France after an overall victory at the Tour de Picardie 2012
Jakob Degenkolb marked numerous good performances in the 2012 season but an overall victory at the 2.1 ranked event, Tour de Picardie has boosted his confidence for the coming races of the season.
The cyclist is now determined to make full use of his supreme form and is eying the Tour de France as the next big goal of his 2012 season.
The 23-year-old finished at the fifth position during the Milan-San Remo, sixth during the E3 Harelbeke and claimed the third overall position at the Four Days of Dunkirk 2012.
He has also bagged two stages before the French race including the first and the second stage at the Four Days of Dunkirk.
John had a superb start to the Tour de Picardie and succeeded during the opening stage of the event.
He finished third during the stage 2 of the race and claimed the top podium spot during the final stage of the race.
The German’s first place finish during the 171 kilometre final stage of the race has now earned him the top overall position after the final general classifications.
Kenny Robert Van Hummel of Team Vacansoleil-DCM finished 10 seconds to claim the second overall position with Leonardo Duque of Team Cofidis achieving the third spot.
While commenting on his splendid victory during the three-day race, John told L’Equipe, "With what happened on Saturday, I had no other choice but to win".
He was overwhelmed with the victory and thanked his team-mates for their continuous support during the event.
He noted, "Unbelievable, what a great group of riders we have: Ronan van Zandbeek, Roy Curvers, Albert Timmer, Tom Veelers, Bert de Backer, Ji Cheng and Dominic Klemme”.
“We were so good. I’m very proud".
Degenkolb has now shown interest to lead his side, Project 1t4i at the Tour de France 2012 along with his team-mate Marcel Kittel.
He has decided to ride the Bayern Rundfahrt (May 22-27) and the Criterium du Dauphine (June 3-10) to ensure his best form ahead of the Tour.
It's a challenging, mountainous event, but I have to inflict this type of suffering on myself for what's to come later," he briefed.
Tour de France 2012 is scheduled from June 30- July 22 and winner of the race will be awarded with a100 UCI points.
Second and the third position holder will receive a 150 and 120 points accordingly.
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