Peter Sagan will give Mark Cavendish a tough time at the Olympics sprint, Vincenzo Nibali
Vincenzo Nibali of Team Liquigas-Cannondale shared his thoughts on the biggest cycling event of the season, the 2012 London Olympics.
While commenting on the coming event, he told Gazzetta dello Sport, “It’s not a given that it will end in a sprint”.
“I’ve come out of the Tour in great condition and I’m aiming to do a great race”.
“I’m not giving up on my personal ambitions before we start, but if instead the race stays together until the final lap, then I’ll put myself at the disposal of the quickest azzurri”.
“Let’s say that at that point, I’d give what I hope to receive at the Worlds in Valkenburg on a much more selective course”.
The Italian was recently seen in action at the Tour de France where he rode exceptionally well but never had enough to match his British rivals.
He fell 6 minutes and 19 seconds behind the race leader, Bradley Wiggins and secured the third overall position after the final general classifications.
Christopher Froome occupied the second spot with a total deficit of 3 minutes and 21 seconds on the in-form Wiggins.
Mark Cavendish is a definite favourite to win the Olympics gold but Nibali believes that Peter Sagan has more chances of receiving the honours especially after his performance at the Tour de France 2012.
The Slovakian won the overall point’s classifications and claimed the yellow jersey along with three stages at the French race and is great shape ahead of the London event.
Andre Greipel, Matthew Harley Goss and Mark Cavendish occupied the second, the third and the fourth positions in the respective order.
Vincenzo briefed that the sprint finish ideally suits Mark but Sagan can be a real hurdle in his way towards the top.
The Italian noted that he is certain that the stage will finish and with “The peloton isn’t as congested and the national teams have a maximum of five riders in the race”.
The 27-year-old marked his professional debut with Team Fassa Bortolo in 2005 and penned a deal with Team Liquigas in 2006.
He is expected to end his seven year associations with Team Liquigas and join Team Astana to continue his professional endeavours.
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