Luis Leon Sanchez hopeful for the Ardennes Classics 2013
Luis Leon Sanchez of Team Rabobank hopes to leave the nightmare of his team losing its main sponsor behind and looks ahead at the new season with a positive intent.
He is targeting the Ardennes Classics as the biggest goal of the new season and stated that riding for himself instead of supporting the team leader will definitely makes his job lot easier gives him more motivation.
While discussing his plans with biciciclismo.com, he stated that the team is definitely in search of some crucial World Tour points and all the World Tour races will be his main focus starting right from the Tirreno Adriatico.
“I want to be competitive from the outset and start the year well. I like to start fast. On the one hand, we have to win the famous points but my priority will be WorldTour races, starting with Tirreno”.
The Spaniard joined the Dutch squad in 2011 and is all set to start his third consecutive season with the team after marking his debut with Team Liberty Seguros through 2004-06 seasons and moved to Team Caisse d’Epargne for 2007-10.
Sanchez holds as many as ten Grand Tour appearances under his belt including six Tour de France and four Vuelta a Espana participations under his belt.
Robert Gesink will be concentrating at the Giro d’Italia and will not target the Ardennes Classics which will give Samuel and opportunity to better prepare for the classics event.
The 29-year-old noted that the Fleche Wallonne finale ideally suits him and is also optimistic to claim the top podium spot at the Amstel Gold Race and the Liege-Bastogne-Liege 2013.
While commenting on his 2012 season, Sanchez stated, “Psychologically, I was stronger. I've been more focused and knew my situation”.
He further added “And I want to follow that line. I've always loved to train right and race a lot, and that's what I did in 2012, unlike last year where everything went wrong. I like going to the races ever with some ambition and I hope to do so next year”.
The Spaniard along with his Team Rabobank teammates hopes that the team manages to secure a new sponsor for the season ahead after the Dutch bank ended its 16 year old associations with the team.
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