Petacchi in all three 2006 Grand Tours

Alessandro Petacchi has reiterated wanting to participate in all three Grand Tours in the 2006 road cycling season. The Milram sprinter, who was in close competition with World Champion Tom Boonen (Quick.Step) at the Ruta del Sol a few days ago, also explained to Spanish media outlet AS that his first goal in the months ahead will be the classicissima Milano-San Remo.

"At the moment, all I do is think about this race," Petacchi said about the event scheduled for March 18. "It's my main goal this season to win it again. I still lack a bit to be at my best physical condition." At Milano-San Remo, the Italian will be supported by four-times winner Erik Zabel in a concerted team effort to beat Boonen, who is also strongly eyeing the event.

"After that, I want to increase my form for the Tour of Flanders and Gent-Wevelgem," Petacchi continued. "Then, I would like to participate in the three Grand Tours: Giro, Tour and Vuelta." When confronted with the assumption that he would certainly not finish the three-week-races, 'Ale-Jet' replied, "Of course not. To do three weeks in each of them would be too much. I don't know yet, we'll see how things go. The last stage of the Giro is very hard and I might not do it all. My motivation is to participate in all three and win at least one stage in each of them."