Joaquim Rodriguez has said that he wants to win next year's Tour de France.
The Spaniard topped the road racing world rankings at the end of the 2012 season, after podium finishes at the Giro d'Italia and Vuelta a Espana.
However, Rodriguez's team, Katusha, is currently without a UCI world tour licence, which means that they would not automatically qualify to take part in the Tour.
The 33-year-old told El Periodico de Catalunya: "I want to do the Tour and fight for the win.
"I know it is a very difficult challenge, but next year the Tour has a very hilly course that may be extraordinary for me. This is my desire."
Katusha have appealed against the UCI's decision not to give them a licence.
Written by
Sian Cowper
Sian Cowper
