Vincenzo Nibali has a contract with Astana until 2016 and is considering extending it for another four years. However, with plans to set up a new Italian team, the Tour de France champion may also consider returning to his home country.

Vincenzo Nibali's Tour de France victory may become a big boost for Italian cycling. After yesterday's meeting with Italian prime minister Matteo Renzi, Nibali revealed that Renzi had spoken about plans to create an Italian team with Italian sponsors. Reportedly, Renzi has already started to look at the possibilities.

Currently under contract with Astana - who is reported to have offered him a multi-million contract until 2020 - Nibali is the centrepiece of this revitalization of Italian cycling and he is ready to consider the project.

"If such a team turns into reality, I would put up my hand," he said. "I would glady be part of this Italian team."

At the moment, the team is still on the drawing board but it is a sign that cycling is again becoming attractive for Italian companies.