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| Alejandro Valverde © Gallo Images |
Spaniard Alejandro Valverde has declared his intention to fight for
a podium place on the Tour de France despite languishing down in ninth
place overall.
Valverde, who rides for Caisse d'Epargne, became the first big
yellow jersey victim when the pace of the CSC team proved too much for
him during the tenth stage to Hautacam in the Pyrenees.
Five days before then Valverde, who started the Tour as a big
favourite after winning the Dauphine Libere stage race, suffered a
crash which could have sent him home early.
Ahead of two crucial days in the Alps, he is now in ninth place
overall at four minutes, 11 seconds behind new race leader Frank Schleck of CSC, who
has five riders witin a minute behind him.
But, despite losing key teammate Oscar Pereiro to a nasty crash on
Sunday, for the Spanish ace the race for a top three finish is far from
over.
"I've totally recovered from my crash, both physically and
mentally," said the 28-year-old Valverde, whose best finish on the Tour
was his sixth place last year.
"Now I feel like I'm back to my best form and I hope to really show
what I can do in the two coming days.
"Getting a podium place in Paris will be difficult for me, but I
don't think it's impossible."
Valverde started his campaign in style by pulling on the yellow
jersey, then wearing it the next day, after claiming a stylish victory
on the first stage in Plumelec.
"My first aim is to claim another stage win, although that won't be
easy because I won't be allowed too much freedom," added Valverde.
"Without Oscar (Pereiro) things will be a bit more difficult but I
can count on David Arroyo to help pace me up to the final part of the
climbs."
Pereiro, who flew over a road sign prior a hairpin bend to land on
the road below with shoulder injuries, is still in hospital according
to the team's doctor Jesus Hoyos and is awaiting a possible transfer to
Spain.
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