After being forced out of the Giro, Mikel Landa has had the chance to experience new races like the Dauphine and Spanish championships as he build up to his first Tour de France. The Basque spoke about his chances with Team Sky at the race.

“In previous years, this event hasn’t fitted on my race schedule because I was taking a rest after the Giro d’Italia or prior to the Vuelta a España. This time, both races were a good chance of putting in a last effort before heading to the Tour de France,” Landa told Cyclingnews when asked about riding his debut nationals.

Landa revealed that the hilly Rio Olympics course also inspired his decision to take part, as he wants to make the team.

“In fairness, riders aiming to compete with the Spanish national team should participate in this event. I for one am here thinking of the Tour de France, but I think I’m making a good gesture in order to be called for Rio,” Landa said.

The basque climber is fully focused on helping Chris Froome win a third Tour and says he will use the race as a learning experience, although he hopes to take any chance he gets to win a stage.

“I hope to learn a lot on the Tour de France. I think I have a leader [Chris Froome] who I can learn a lot of from. And, if I can get a chance to play my own cards, I will try to make the most of it,” he said, hinting he hopes he to have the freedom to target and win a mountain stage as he did in Andorra during last year’s Vuelta a España while working for Astana leader Fabio Aru.