MADRID, June 21, 2011 (AFP) – Spain’s 2008 road race Olympic champion Samuel Sanchez will attempt to improve on last year’s fourth placing in the Tour de France when he leads the Euskatel team in this year’s renewal, which runs from July 2-24.

The 33-year-old has never won a major Tour – though he has won five stages on the Tour of Spain – but the team’s director Igor Gonzalez de Galdeano says the very least they would like is a podium finish from the veteran.

“We are dreaming of a podium finish, last year we got really close with Samuel,” said the 37-year-old, who himself wore the overall leader’s yellow jersey for seven days on the 2002 Tour eventually finishing fifth overall.

“It is magnificent that he will be with us once again.”

Sanchez will be accompanied by eight fellow Spaniards, including two making their debut in the world’s most famous and prestigious cycling race, 31-year-old Pablo Urtasun and 23-year-old Gorka Izagirre.

Team
Samuel Sanchez (ESP), Egoi Martinez (ESP), Gorka Verdugo (ESP), Amets Txurruka (ESP), Ruben Perez (ESP), Ivan Velasco (ESP), Alan Perez (ESP), Pablo Urtasun (ESP), Gorka Izagirre (ESP).