Samu buoyant on 2012 Tour chances

Samuel Sánchez was present at the unveiling of the Tour's 2012 parcours in Paris earlier today, and offered his thoughts on the route to the assembled media afterwards. Heavy on kilometres against the clock, the course didn't seem to suit Samu at first glance. But the man himself was everything but pessimistic.

"In the Vueltas a España I've finished on the podium in the past (2007 and 2009) there were a similar amount of time trials. It's all about the state of form you're in. I think I can do well on this parcours", he told www.esciclismo.com.

The 2012 edition will feature close to 100 kilometres against the clock and only three summit finishes, and Samu readily admits it's more suited to a strong all-rounder than a pure climber.

"Obviously the route favours the time trialers more than the climbers. That's pretty clear with 96 kilometres against the clock. The climbers will really have to go on the attack before the last, decisive time trial. As always it'll be important to recce the route, adapt to the course and train a lot on my aero-bike beforehand. "

As the defending champion, Samu is almost obliged to put on a strong display at the Olympics coming up just a few days after the conclusion of the Tour. But unlike many of his compatriots, Samu is relishing the challenge of sustaining his form for a full four weeks in July in order to fight for gold in the streets of London.

"Obviously with it being an Olympic year the calendar is congested and everything's more complicated. But going to the Games is a fantastic experience and I'll put up a big fight if I'm selected to the team", the Euskaltel captain concluded.