THE HAGUE, Netherlands, June 18, 2009 (AFP) – Russia’s Tour of Italy champion Denis Menchov will lead the Rabobank team in next month’s Tour de France, the Dutch based team’s manager said on Thursday.

The 31-year-old could have a chance in the Tour, although Alberto Contador will be favourite, team manager Erik Breukink said.

The Rabobank line-up for the Tour also includes up-and-coming Dutch rider Robert Gesink and Spaniard Juan Manuel Garate – both of them strong climbers.

Spain’s three-time world road race champion Oscar Freire and Juan Antonio Flecha as well as Dutch racer Stef Clement, who performed well in last week’s Dauphine Libere race, are also in the line-up.

Team:
Stef Clement (NED), Juan Antonio Flecha (ESP), Oscar Freire (ESP), Juan Manuel Garate (ESP), Robert Gesink (NED), Denis Menchov (RUS), Grischa Niermann (GER), Joost Posthuma (NED), Laurens ten Dam (NED).