Hunt comes through Tour de Suisse in good shape

Briton Jeremy Hunt (Cervélo) has finished the Tour de Suisse in good shape and feeling cautiously optimistic about his chances of getting his first ever ride in the Tour de France.

"I'm on the long list [of 12 riders, also containing Briton Dan Lloyd and Ireland's Philip Deignan] and I've got a good chance, but I don't want to think about it too much," Hunt told Cycling Weekly on Sunday afternoon.

A decision is expected this week, but Hunt's caution is logical. In 2008 he was part of Credit Agricole's provisional line-up for the Tour but got dropped at almost the last possible moment.

Two years on, though, and Hunt could have another chance at riding cycling's biggest stage race. He worked hard for team-mate Thor Hushovd in the Tour de Suisse, and despite the appalling weather Hunt says he came through it feeling strong.

"I didn't get sick or crash, and I feel like I'm going really well."

"I rode California, stayed at altitude in Boulder, Colorado, then did the GP Gippingen last week. I'm pleased with how it's going.."

Hunt will be heading for a British National team training camp next Thursday before taking part in the National Championships on Sunday alongside Cervélo team-mates Dan Lloyd and Roger Hammond.

Related links

Tour de France 2010: Cycling Weekly's coverage index

Jeremy Hunt: Rider Profile