With Alberto Contador and Chris Froome distancing all other contenders at the Ruta del Sol, Vincenzo Nibali has said that while he has been unable to challenge at the Tour of Oman, the current performances mean nothing in regards to the Tour de France.

“What does this mean for the Tour? It means nothing. We are in February, that’s in July,” Nibali said.

“It’s completely different, with riders who’ll have different conditions, so it doesn’t have meaning. If you think about the spring races, the classics, then yes, but for the Tour, no.”

Nibali made similar claims last year and was successful in his bid for the Tour. In 2014, he still didn’t look at best level at the Dauphine, just a few weeks before the Tour. He says he isn’t anywhere near peak condition now, but he is better than he was at this stage last season.

“I think that [my condition] is better than last year, not like three years ago when I won, but better than last year,” Nibali continued.

“I’m not yet in condition, clearly, you see it, but there are riders here who’ve already been at altitude camps to prepare for the start of the season, so it’s important, but not too much.”

He is remaining calm, guaranteeing everyone that when July comes, he will be in the best possible shape to give him the best chance of defending his Tour de France crown.

“It’s the second race that I’ve done,” Nibali said. “You either aim for the Oman victory or remain calm. I’ll continue to work like I’ve always done. I’m not that much off. I feel that I’m better day after day.”