Thomas Voeckler(Europcar) is recovering well from a broken collarbone, will resume racing as soon as in Volta ao Algarve, and is fully optimistic on his Tour de France form, according to sport24.lefigaro.fr.

Although the former Tour Yellow Jersey wearer is already 34, he's optimistic on his recovery from the injury suffered in Australia. Ten days after operation, Voeckler says the broken bone needs more time to recover, but he's "always in a hurry" in recovery time.

"Yes, I'll return in Volta ao Algarve, but I do not like it actually. I would even consider return to racing slightly before."

Still, Voeckler admits that he needs time to fully recover, and more importantly, to find form and rhythm for competitive racing. On his big target of the year--Tour de France, though, Voeckler has high confidence,

"Last year, I broke my collarbone in April, it was much more penalizing for the Tour de France as it is in January. This year, the injury penalizes me for the first part of the year but for the Tour de France, I fully expect myself to be competitive. I hope to be in good form for Paris-Nice, and If I'm 100% in mid-April, it will be not bad."

Voeckler's schedule in the first part of season: Paris-Nice, Milan-San Remo, Tour of Basque Country, Ardennes classics.