Marco Pinotti’s participation at the Tour de France still not confirmed as the Italian targets the London Olympics
Marco Pinotti is eyeing the 2012 Olympic Games as his main target for the 2012 season. The cyclist will lead Team BMC at the Giro d’ Italia and is likely to miss the Tour de France in the season ahead.
The new entrant at the BMC Racing Team rejected the idea of riding the Tour de France to ensure the best form for Olympics.
Marco explained that he will ensure his peak form, irrespective of whether he rides the Tour or not.
Pinotti started riding professionally with Team Lampre-Daikin in 1999 and spent a period of six years with the side.
He also represented Team Saunier Duval-Prodir (2005-2006), T-Mobile Team (2007-2011) and finally accepted an offer from BMC Racing Team for the coming season.
The 35-year-old won the Italian Time Trial Championships for as many as five times, in 2005, 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010.
He claimed the overall victory at the Tour of Ireland 2008 and also holds a Giro stage win under his belt.
Before joining the American team, Pinotti finished 4th overall at the Tour de Romandie 2011 including a 6th overall finish at the Tirreno-Adriatico 2011.
The cyclist fractured his hip during the Giro d’ Italia 2011 and made a good come back to grab the 26th overall position at the UCI Road World Championships 2011.
During a recent interview with Cyclingnews Pinotti cited, “I was emotional afterwards because I didn’t think that I’d succeed in not finishing last at the Worlds with just six weeks of training”.
He further added, “It’s given me a lot of encouragement for this year. I wasn’t at 100 percent, and it made me realise that with the Tour or without it, I could prepare well for the Olympic time trial”.
It is more likely that the reigning Tour de France winner, Cadel Evans will lead Team BMC at the 2012 edition of the race.
However, Marco explained that if the team requires him to ride in France he will definitely have no problems to test his legs on French soil.
Pinotti mentioned that the Tour of Poland and the Giro d’ Italia are the two races, which he will definitely ride along with the London’s event.
It is still not certain whether the Italian rides the Tour or not but he is definitely a strong contender for the 2012 Olympics Games.
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