Cunego aims for Suisse podium

"I know that here I am able to do much better," confessed Damiano Cunego at the Tour de Suisse. The Italian is currently eighth in the overall classification, 1'46" behind leader Fränk Schleck.

'Il Piccolo Principe' is looking forward to the next two stages. "They are very beautiful. Friday is more fitted to my characteristics," he explained to La Gazzetta dello Sport. "The arrival is after three big climbs. On paper it looks good."

Today the riders will finish on the Crans-Montana pass. "The Novena is far from the finish, so it will be like the Crans-Montana is the only climb, or almost. It will be an explosive finish that will suit the attackers."

He noted his sights are set on the overall podium. "Schleck has an extra gear. Then there is [José Angel] Gomez Marchante. I am a hair behind and I will have to fight for the placings. ... A good placing is better because it will give me more points for the ProTour classification. I am fourth and I want to improve myself."

He will ride the final day's time trial with the aim for a high GC spot and for testing purposes. "To be in the classification is important. I am motivated to do the time trial 'all out.' Every crono is an important test for the future." (For more on Cunego's time trial training read Damiano Cunego wind tunnel testing with John Cobb.)