Domenico Pozzovivo is back. After the dreadful accident in the Giro, the Ag2r La Mondiale rider has recovered for the Tour of Switzerland and is already riding strongly. Despite confirming that he is not "yet at his best" and "has room for improvement", the climber has been in the mix in the first stages, finishing close to the leaders in the first tough stages. That is a good sign for a rider who left the Corsa Rosa in an ambulance a month ago. 

"After the crash, I had to take some time off the bike because I suffered a facial trauma which forced me take a break of two weeks," he told ProcyclingNet. "Then I was on the rollers and I realized I could return here in Switzerland. Ido not think I'm far from a good condition."

With his limited preparation, he is pleased with his performance. He points to the fact that "he has no memory of the crash which is a mental advantage" and that the physical sensations are good.

"I think I can do a good GC in Switzerland and the stage on Wednesday will be crucial," he said. "The race will be decided in the time trial on the last day . Riders like Geraint Thomas can defend themselves on Wednesday and then move up in the time trial. This week my goal is to  fight for victory on Wednesday and then it would not hurt to finish in the top 10 in the overall standings."

After the race, Pozzovivo will focus on the Italian championships whose course suits his characteristics. Afterwards he will skip the Tour where the team "will have leaders who have already shown thatthey can do well" and will focus on the Vuelta a España and will keep the racing schedule planned at the start of the year."