Jurgen van den Broeck is preparing for his last months as a Lotto Soudal rider after he was forced to skip the Tour de France for the first time in years. "I'm ambitious for every race," the 32-year old tells Sporza. About his future, nothing is decided. "I have the feeling that I can return to my former climbing level."

Jurgen Van den Broeck has started to prepare himself for the rest of the season. "Next week I will start the Tour of Poland and then will I go to the Vuelta," he tells Sporza. "Hopefully I get selected for the World Time Trial Championships. Then we will see about the rest."

What ambitions does he have for the Vuelta? "I am ambitious for every race. I can't forget the other races just because I had to skip the Tour. Other events are also beautiful. In Poland and the Vuelta, there are time trials, I want to show my national jersey there and I also hope to show myself on the climbs."

Lotto Soudal decided not to select Van den Broeck for the Tour."In the beginning it did hurt, but I try always to watch the finale. I would have liked to be there because I don't like to miss those three weeks. I hope to be at the start again."

Next year he will be riding in new clolous. "My departure was no surprise to me. I had already made my own decision. I know nothing about my own future but I am talking to several teams. Patrick Lefevere's interest makes me happy. Etixx-QuickStep is one of the best teams in the world.

"I also have to remain a leader. I would love to be part of a train like at Team Sky where you have a mission and your leader finishes it off. But if a team wants me as leader, I will take that role with much pleasure. "