Katusha's Joaquim Rodriguez sets sights on Tour de France

The Katusha rider, who finished third at last year's Tour, had been expected to focus on the Giro d'Italia and Vuelta a Espana this season.

However, a crash during stage six of the Giro - which left him with a fractured rib and thumb - has resulted in the Spaniard changing his mind.

Rodriguez will now take part in the Tour, which begins in England on July 5, and hopes to pick up some stage victories in cycling's blue-riband event.

"I really wanted to perform well in the first part of the season," the 25-year-old told Katusha's official website.

"I had big ambitions but my crashes in the Amstel Gold Race and the Giro ruined my chances for the classics as well as for the first Grand Tour of the season.

"The other goal I put in place at the beginning of the season, the Tour of Spain (Vuelta), is still there. The course suits me and I want to win that race.

"This does not mean that I go to the Tour de France as preparation for the Vuelta.

"I have Tour ambitions too, though not for the GC (general classification). The third week looks nice and I want to win one or more stages."