David Moncoutié's Tour de France goals

A few days before the start of the most prestigious bike race in the world, David Moncoutié takes the time to tells us about his goals on the Tour.

- In what frame of mind are you a few days ahead of the departure ?

Obviously I'm extremely motivated. As I didn't take part in the Tour de France last year, I'm happy to be back on the roads of the Tour, even though I fell during the French Championships and I'm feeling sore right now !

- You chose not to ride on the Tour last year. Why was it important to take part this year ?

It gave me a new challenge for 2011. I've had a few great years on the Vuelta but not so much on the Tour, so I wanted to show that I can still perform on the Tour after my stage victories in 2004 and 2005.

- This year favours mountain stages. Are you eyeing the King of the Moutain Jersey ?

It's not my main target. Of course, it's a dream of mine, and if I'm in the lead in the first mountain stages, I'll try to get the points. But I'm focused on winning stages.

- Cofidis has just received a wildcard for the Vuelta, where you'll be riding too. You're already being sensed for a 4th King of the Mountain Jersey. What are you goals on the Vuelta ?

I'm not thinking that far ahead. At the moment, the Tour is all I have in mind and it's this season's goal. We'll figure out the rest of the season afterwards. I don't know yet if this will be the last season, I'll have to wait until the end of July to see how I feel both physically and mentally.

- Last year, Cofidis rode the Tour on the brand new LOOK 695. A year later, what can you say about this bike ?

I tried it first on the Vuelta last year and straight away it felt great, very easy to handle, extremely stiff, a great bike !