Sastre's 2010 programme still to be decided

Carlos Sastre of Team Cervélo has yet to decide on his 2010 racing programme, refuting any claims made by Spanish media that he would not ride the Tour de France next season.

"I was utterly surprised, as at no time did I say what these articles are claiming, according to which I have already opted for certain races for 2010," Sastre said in a press release on Thursday evening. "I really have to stress what I said after the Tour and Giro presentations: that until the Vuelta a España route has been released and until carefully studying all three routes, I am not going to make any comments on the subject," he added.

The 2008 Tour winner rode both the Giro and the French Grand Tour this year. In 2008, he chose to participate in the Tour and the Vuelta. Throughout his career, the Spaniard preferred the Vuelta to the Giro, which he only raced twice.

However, Sastre did say that "it would be exciting to win one of these races, having already won the Tour and not having won the Giro or the Vuelta."

A regular podium contender at the Grand Tours, the 34-year-old finished only 17th at the Tour de France this year.