"The Tour is the main goal. I've always loved the race and France has treated me very well. I have a lighter schedule this year and the Tour has been marked since last year. This season we hope to have a good team in good condition to fight for it. More than pressure, I feel a commitment, because I know my capabilities and I always come to the races in a good shape," he says to BiciCiclismo.

 

And pointing to his three rivals in July: "Contador remains the strongest opponent today, I've always thought; Froome is good and Nibali is the last winner and will have a lot of confidence and desire to win again. I'll go with that expectation and with the confidence to lead a great team to get me between these candidates."

 

He can't complain about the Tour route, with eight summits and only 14 kilometers individual time trial on the first day. The Colombian will lead the Movistar Team in the Tour, with Valverde luxury domestique and leader for the Vuelta. "He has always liked the Tour of Spain and I always have supported him. It is a good opportunity for him," he says.

 

"My career has changed a lot. I'm a little more mature, the years pass ... I'm not the amateur who arrived four years ago. Life, the road and colleagues have taught me many things" he explains, when asked how he has grown in the sport.

 

His schedule until next spring is the Tour de San Luis (19-25 January), Vuelta a Andalucía (18-22 February), Tirreno-Adriatico (11-17 March), Tour of the Basque Country (6-11 April) and some Ardennes Classics. "There are many important races during the year, besides the Tour. This year I'm lighter because the Tour is further away. Possibly in San Luis I will not be like last year, but we have other guys that can compete. I want to be a little better in Tirreno." And not close to dispute the championships in Colombia (7-8 February) between San Luis and Andalusia. "I have not spoken to Eusebio (Unzue), but there is a possibility I can do it," he concludes.