Sánchez ranks Olympic gold above all

Spaniard Samuel Sánchez ranks his Olympic gold medal above any other win – including a theoretical Tour de France win. "Being Olympic champion in a speciality like cycling, with enormous social and worldwide recognition, is bigger than a win of the Giro or the Tour," said the 30 year-old, according to Diario Vasco.

Sánchez won gold earlier this month at the Beijing Games. He finished in a tight sprint ahead of Italy's Davide Rebellin and Switzerland's Fabian Cancellara. Prior to the gold medal, his biggest wins had come in the Vuelta a España and the 2006 Züri Metzgete.

Even though his life "underwent a radical change" after his victory he keeps training every day to keep his form, "because the cycling season does not stop." He will represent Team Euskaltel-Euskadi in the Tour de Pologne – September 15 to 21 – in order to prepare the World Championships – September 28.

He will help Oscar Freire win his fourth championship. "We could win the World Championships with Oscar Freire, who will be the leader of the Spanish selection, because the race is suitable for his characteristics", said Sánchez. (MP)