Sánchez to line up in Murcia

By Antonio J. Salmerón

Euskaltel-Euskadi climber Samuel Sánchez will be taking part in the next edition of the Vuelta a Murcia, taking place from March 4-8, 2008. The Asturian told Cyclingnews to have received a phone call from the team's technical manager, Igor González de Galdeano, confirming that he will take part in the stage race in the province of Murcia in Southeastern Spain.

It was Sánchez himself who had showed interest in racing in Murcia, as he knew that the good weather and the balance of the stages profiles were two very interesting reasons for participating in the event. "I can improve myself in the time trial (fourth stage between Alhama and Aledo, some 21 kms), as well as in the Collado Bermejo climb (first category) early next season", the 29 year-old rider commented.

The Euskaltel-Euskadi leader will also line up at the Tour de France in 2008. "I want to get there in the best possible condition in order to fight for the general classification, but also to win a stage," said Sánchez, who has started to nourish Grand Tour hopes since he finished third at the Vuelta this year. He admitted he did not have much experience in the French Grand Tour, "but it doesn't matter, as it is very difficult to plan a race that is gained day by day."

Soon, Sánchez will travel to California, USA, to improve his time trial performances, as he does not plan to lose any time against the clock in the next Tour de France.