Sánchez open to 2013 Giro-Vuelta double
While this year will be all about the Tour de France and the Olympics, next year might be totally different for Samuel Sánchez. Talking to the Revista Desde la Cuneta, the Euskaltel team leader revealed he might opt for a Giro d'Italia and Vuelta a España double next year, and thus forego the French GT.
"I might do the Giro in 2013", he said. "It may be a good year to combine the Giro and the Vuelta. It's not an Olympic year and the calendar is therefore back to normal. If you peak for the Giro it's possible to recuperate and reload for the Vuelta, so that's most probably what I'll do."
Having twice finished on the final Vuelta podium, Samu doesn't hide his goal if he is to return next year.
"It would be to fight for the win. Of course. I've won five stages, finished in the top three twice, so there's nothing left for me to do there but to triumph. I'm not getting younger though, and every year it's getting harder to get in form. And once I find that form, yeah, it lasts longer. But I'd like to give it another shot at the Vuelta".
The 34-year-old has always been famous for his descending skills, but admits that also in this area, his age is catching up with him.
"Yes, at my age you start to be more aware of things, and I'm not taking as many risks as I used to. When I was younger, I didn't see the danger the same way I do now. It's important to realize that it's not a motorcycle you're riding, it's just a bike. And when you hit the ground it hurts. Risking a little less can pay off later".
7 comments:
So this year probably will be his last one trying to ride TDF podium. Next year Giro and Vuelta; well let's hope it will be in orange colours. I wonder who will be leadman in TDF (if Euskaltel still exists) next year.
That's a good question. Antón just doesn't seem cut out for it. I say let's go for Landa, Izagirre and Sicard
I must say I find this very exciting! The Giro-Vuelta double is a good alternative to the TdF, and it's refreshing to see that one of the top guys in cycling is seriously considering this. Of course the TdF always will be the biggest thing in our sport, but I think too many riders only think about the Tour nowadays...
Agree Bolsen! The Tour may be the biggest, but the Giro's the most spectacular by far.
Samu has been one of the finest riders of his generation, a GT win would be the icing on the cake. With the focus so much on the TDF, who could blame him for giving the Giro and Vuelta a real go. It would not matter who was or was not there, all that counts is that line that says
2013 1st Samuel Sanchez
Good luck to him!
He could well win the whole Giro I reckon. Should suit him!
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