"I can be close to a stage victory" - Milan Menten preparing for Grand Tour debut at the Vuelta a Espana

Milan Menten, currently competing at the Tour de Pologne, is preparing for a Grand Tour debut at the Vuelta a Espana and the Lotto Dstny rider is quietly confident of competing for a stage win at the race.

“This race is a preparation for the Vuelta. I've been working on that for a very long time," the 26-year-old Belgian tells Wielerflits from the Tour de Pologne. "After the Tour de Pologne, I will go to Andorra for an altitude training, in the hope that I will survive the climbs better in the Vuelta.”

So what can we expect from Menten at his first Grand Tour? Well, the Lotto Dstny rider believes he has the ability to compete for stages, and as such is quietly confident heading into the three-week stage race. “Getting out is my first goal anyway. And look, I have ridden Romandy, Catalonia and the Dauphiné well," he analyses. "I think the level there is comparable to the Vuelta, so I hope that I can be close to victory in a stage."

Looking further ahead as well, Caleb Ewan's uncertain future with the Lotto Dstny team could be a good sign for Menten. “Well, it's a shame what happened. And if he leaves? Then I move up one place, from third sprinter to second sprinter. I have to say: I have a nice program and I am satisfied with the way it is now," concludes the Belgian.