Zülle picks Rogers for Tour de Suisse

Alex Zülle, winner of the 2002 Tour de Suisse has named Australian Michael Rogers as his favourite to win this year's edition. Zülle, the last Swiss rider to win the event, now works for Tour de Suisse race organisers IMG.

Zülle is still very much involved with cycling - he acts as a talent scout, seeking out young riders from Holland, Spain and Belgium, as well as helping to organise the Swiss race each year. During the event, he is one of the guest drivers for main sponsor Würth.

Zülle has credited Swiss rider Cancellara for his stage victory, and strong showing so far in event, but feels that Beat Zberg has the best chance of any Swiss rider to unseat him as the last Swiss to win the event. "Zberg has the greatest chance, and also probably his last chance this year to win the event," said Zülle, who also noted that Rogers' all round ability makes him the outstanding favourite. "He is strong in the time trial as well as the mountains," said Zülle.

The Swiss star, who has twice finished runner-up in the Tour de France (1995 and 1999) feels that Swiss cycling has a lot to look forward to in the coming years with talents like Oliver Zaugg (Gerolsteiner) and Hubert Schwab (QuickStep). "I hope soon one of them will bring a Swiss victory in the Tour de Suisse," he concluded.