Cunego sets his Tour hopes on the Alps

As.com in Spain reports today that Damiano Cunego sees Cadel Evans as his chief rival and the principal favorite to win the Tour de France. Next on his list of foes is Alejandro Valverde.

"Evans is the favorite because he's already placed second last year and has been very consistent in 2008. Valverde is not far behind, so they're both my main rivals."

He says he'll try to win but clarifies that he'll feel satisfied if he gets "a place on the podium in Paris and a big stage win." For a target stage, he likes the Alpe d'Huez, but even more the stage ending in Prato Nevoso, because it's in Italy.

Cugego, 26, a native of Verona, hopes that having given up riding the Giro d'Italia will help him be competitive in France.

"I'm Italian, and it wasn't easy to say no to the Giro, but I've got no regrets," he said.

"When I looked at the Tour this year, I knew the Tour should be my goal. There's much less time trialing than in other years and that means I can limit my time losses and gain a margin in the mountains. At least, that's my plan."

Cunego also believes he's more mature now.

"I used to ride a lot of races, putting quantity over quality, but fortunately things are different this season, because I have to change to perform to a higher standard at the Tour," says the winner of Amstel Gold.

"My form peaked in April and the Tour of Switzerland was my first race after a few weeks of hard training. I'm glad I finished fourth, because I rode consistently and improved bit by bit. If I had been at my best level in Switzerland, I'd already be tired now. I think I've done well and I'll be 100% in the third week."

In Spanish: http://www.as.com/ciclismo/articulo/cunego-senala-evans-valverde-principales/dasclm/20080702dasdascic_1/Tes

(The article continues with a couple of paragraphs about Evans.)