Voeckler kits up for Circuit de la Sarthe

Thomas Voeckler (Bouygues Telecom) will mount a defense of his title at this week’s 57th Circuit de la Sarthe, which begins Tuesday in France.

The French rider broke his clavicle on March 13 in the sixth stage of Paris-Nice and wasn’t expected to race, but the former Tour de France yellow jersey-holder will be back in competition less than four weeks after his crash.

Voeckler, a winner this year at Haut Var and Etoile de Bèsseges, has also confirmed he will start the Giro d’Italia next month.

Voeckler admits he likely won’t be in shape to defend his title, but wants to honor the race.

Favorites include Andreas Klöden (Astana), third overall at Tirreno-Adriatico, and Tony Martin (Columbia-Highroad), winner of the time trial stage at Critérium International.

Top French riders include Christophe Moreau (Agritubel), Jerome Coppel (FDJeux), winner of the Route Adélie last week, and Julien El Fares (Cofidis), winner of a stage at Tirreno-Adriatico last month.

FILED UNDER: News / Road TAGS: Circuit Cycliste Sarthe