BEIJING, Oct 4, 2011 (AFP) – Spain’s 2008 Olympic champion Samuel Sanchez
has declined the opportunity to compete in the Tour of Beijing wearing the
number one jersey, preferring instead to sport number eight on his back.

The figure eight is considered to be lucky in China.

Sanchez explained: “Chinese fans always look out for number eight, so I’d
prefer to have that.”

The Spaniard reckons he will need all the good fortune he can get to make
an impact in the race which runs from Wednesday to Sunday.

“It’s going to be very hard for me. It’s a race set up for sprinters,
rather than climbers.”