"It's definitely a very tough ride" - David Gaudu using Itzulia Basque Country as preparation for the Tour de France

Whilst David Gaudu may enter the Itzulia Basque Country as one of the main favourites for the overall win. The 26-year-old Frenchman reveals he has a bigger goal in mind, the Tour de France.

After an impressive start to the year for Gaudu that has included an immense effort at Paris-Nice, where the Groupama-FDJ rider came 2nd to Tadej Pogacar but finished ahead of his Itzulia Basque Country rival Jonas Vingegaard. Attention in France has turned to whether or not Gaudu will be the man to finally break the hoodoo and end the wait for a French, Tour winner.

It seems that Gaudu is already preparing for the Tour de France with his ride at the Itzulia Basque Country being ridden with half an eye being cast to the opening of cycling most historic race which takes part in the region this year.

"That's always important to do and it certainly doesn't have to be a bad thing that I saw it in the rain. It's just a succession of climbs and descents, so it's definitely a very tough ride," says Gaudu. “I had some setbacks after Paris-Nice, because I got sick. I've recovered from that now. I hope I can maintain my momentum from this spring and I can finally put my hands in the air. That is still missing.'