When asked about his season, Samuel Sanchez (Euskaltel-Euskadi) doesn’t know what to rank as his favourite moment. The leader of the Basque team finished sixth overall at the Tour de France, winning stage twelve to Luz Ardiden and taking the polka dot jersey in the process. The 2008 Olympic road race champion was also runner-up on two other hilly stages.
After enjoying arguably his best season as a pro, Sanchez reflected on 2011 before turning his attention to 2012.
“I don’t know which was more beautiful – the stage win or the jersey,” he told Marca. “Both of them were very exciting, though to be on the podium in Paris gave me special pleasure,” he added.
Although his racing program for next season is yet to be decided, Sanchez sounded as if he would return to France to defend his title in the mountains classification. While much has been made of a relative lack of climbing in the 2012 route, and the increased presence of the time trial, such a layout would not necessarily deter a rider like Sanchez.
Euskaltel-Euskadi finished dead last in the team time trial in the 2011 Tour de France, 1 minute 22 seconds behind winner Garmin-Cervelo. But while there is no team time trial featuring on next year’s route, there are nearly 100 kilometers to be raced individually against the clock. In the only individual time trial in the 2011 Tour, in the penultimate stage around Grenoble, Sanchez finished a solid seventh.
Sanchez pointed to the time trial as a key element next year. “There are nearly one hundred kilometres against the clock, and this means that the mountain men will have to put in serious attacks to force a selection,” he said, adding that Alberto Contador (Saxo Bank-Sungard) and Cadel Evans (BMC Racing Team) will be the primary favourites heading into the race.
And Sanchez, who says he is “feeling a little better every year,” believes he can be alongside the duo. “I think I can fight to be there in 2012,” he stated. “I am characterized by my consistency, trying to be better every year.”
‘Samu,’ who turns 34 in February, has spent his entire eleven-year career at Euskaltel-Euskadi. He is under contract for 2012, but he is concerned about the future of the Basque squad. Should he need to change teams in the future, Sanchez admitted that he would like to ride alongside Contador.
“He is one of the best riders in history,” Sanchez explained. “As it stands, Euskaltel-Euskadi would disappear after 2012 and many riders would be on the market. I hope that they announce a renewed sponsor, or a new sponsor. The team deserves it.
“I am 33. I feel fine, and I don't see the end. The day I lose the inspiration or I don’t try my best, it is time to hang up the bike.”