The first reactions of riders and team managers after the introduction of the new course for the Tour de France 2011 are quite positive. They too see many chances for climbers in this Tour, below some of the first comments.

Andy Schleck: "The third week will be the decider in the Tour. The Galibier finish [18th stage] will be the highlight in a very tough final Tour-week." It is also quite clear that the youngest Schleck will focus on the Tour de France as his main goal of the 2011 season. It is expected that he'll ride the Tirreno Adriatico, the hilly classics, the Basque Country and the Tour of Switzerland as his last preparation for the Tour.

Erik Breukink: The Rabo-director sees possibilities for Robert Gesink as a leader, strengthened by the low number of time trial kilometers. Especially the steeper ascents at altitudes higher than 2,000 meters will suit Gesink perfectly in a Tour that is made for the pure climbers.

Bradley Wiggins told HLN.be that he will focus on the podium in 2011. The 2009 number four says that everything needs to go smoothly if he is to realise that goal. Much bad luck and stress only led the Brit to a 24th place in the GC last year.

Jurgen Van Den Broeck: Omega Pharma - Lotto rider Van Den Broeck likes the route. A top ten spot seems a real possibility, even when the rider came in fifth in the last edition. The tough last week with the Alpe d'Huez as last mountain stage he especially likes and still the Flemish rider would be very satisfied with a seventh place in Paris beforehand, what can be considered a very moderate expectation.

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Links: Tour de France 2011