Michele Scarponi to choose between the Tour de France and the Giro d’ Italia
Michele Scarponi has still not confirmed about his Grand Tour choices for the 2012 season. The cyclist has to select between the Tour de France and the Giro d’ Italia, as he will not participate in both the races for the season ahead.
The Italian told Gazzetta dello Sport, “The question of the choice between the Giro d’Italia and the Tour de France remains open. I’m reflecting on it, I was pleased that the sponsors have given me carte blanche to evaluate my options”.
He further added, “What I can say already is that my preparation is based on being at the start of only one of those races”.
The 32-year-old holds as many as 11 Grand Tour appearances to his credit, seven Giros, one Tour and three Vuelta a Espana participations throughout his career.
His best performances were during the two previous versions of the Italian Grand Tour.
Michele finished 4th at the Giro d’ Italia 2010 and claimed the second position during the most recent edition of the race. Alberto Contador won the event to claim his sixth Grand Tour overall victory.
After winning the Giro, Contador also participated in the Tour de France 2011 and was clearly feeling the fatigue.
The Italian finished fifth during the Tour and realised that riding two Grand Tours in one year was never a good decision.
Looking at his friend and former teammate, Scarponi has concluded that he will not consider doubling the two mega events.
Michele also won the Giro del Trentino 2011 and finished second overall at the Volta a Catalunya.
He won the fifth stage at the Giro di Sardegna and also secured the 4th overall position at the race.
The Italian also achieved the third general classifications position at the Tirreno-Adriatico, with a stage 4 victory in 2011.
Despite his stunning form in the previous season, the cyclist decided not to ride the Ardennes Classics to ensure his top form for the Giro d’ Italia 2012.
Scarponi is satisfied with his current team and has also shown interest to remain with the Belgian squad in the coming seasons.
He said, “I feel good in this team, and in the years to come I’d like to be a point of reference for Lampre-ISD”.
It is believed that the cyclist will make the final announcement about his Grand Tour plans shortly. He is likely to opt for the Giro d’ Italia, considering his second place finish at the previous edition of the race.
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