Jurgen Van den Broeck could have been expected one of the strongest podium contenders before the 101st edition of the Tour de France kicked off, but the 31-year Belgian failed to come even close to such expectations. Not having raced since his appearance in France, the Lotto-Belisol rider shapes up for the upcoming Vuelta a Espana, but slightly uncertain of his disposition accepts the leadership of Maxime Monfort and Jens Debusschere.

Even though Van den Broeck admitted Belgian media that his role in the Vuelta campaign will be determined based on his disposition, he would be ready to accept the leadership of Monfort in the season’s ultimate Grand Tour event, for whom it was the most important goal in 2014.

“After the Tour I had ten days off followed by some training. Preparations were nothing like towards another Grand Tours, it’s impossible between the Tour and the Vuelta. During trainings everything was going well, but I have to see how my body reacts. I need to build-up day by day and then we’ll see where I end up,” Van den Broeck told Sporza.

“That will depend on my condition. If the legs were good I could get my chance and I would exploit it. Still, Jens [Debusschere] and Maxime [Monfort] are key riders. I have no problem with that.”

Reluctant to comment on his Tour disappointment, the 31-year old Belgian claimed to be focused strictly on the future.

“After it finished you have to look towards the next objectives. Standing still is ineffective.”

Lotto-Belisol manager Marc Sergeant also confirmed that the squad would fully support ambitions of Monfort and Debusschere in their Vuelta campaign. He pointed out, however, that despite not having exceptionally high expectations in regards to Van den Broeck’s performances, the Spanish Grand Tour would be treated as his the second chance and so the 31-year old shouldn’t take an easy ride..

“It’s a strange situation with Van den Broeck,” Marc Sergeant admitted.

“He didn’t live up to our expectations at the Tour but we have to wait and see how his body reacts now. Ambitions are not overly high, he should target breakaways. Though, this is more or less his second chance.”

“The Vuelta was a goal for Maxime Monfort. Due to a strond field a place within top fifteen would be a wonderful result for him, though. Bart De Clercq would also get his chances.”

“There are still some fast riders at the Vuelta, but we must believe in his development. Well, if we can release it [his potential], he should be able to go for a stage victory,” Sergeant said about Jens Debusschere.

Lotto-Belisol key riders for the Vuelta also personally revealed his ambitions in the Belgian media.

“I want to contest the sprints and always finish as close as possible to the likes of Degenkolb, Sagan and Bouhanni and some other good sprinters present. This is the only measure of quality,” Debusschere said.

“I prefer to remain cautious about my [general] classification ambitions. This is the strongest firld in years, there are at least ten riders who are stronger than me. The team would also benefit more from having two leaders if Van den Broeck didn’t ride in my support. First stages will demonstrate how strong I am and then we’ll evaluate our possibilities,” Monfort said.