Looking for three King of the Mountains titles in a row

Cofidis’s David Moncoutie has had more than enough of the Tour de France. The rider, who is enjoying great form at the moment following victory at last week’s Route du Sud, prefers to eschew his country’s national tour for September’s Vuelta a Espana.

“For many years, I had trouble at the Tour. I felt out of place. There was little fun, and thus, it was difficult to accept the sacrifices.”

Instead, the 35 year old Moncoutie has found a love for Spain’s national tour, a race that has proven to be a boon for the climbers. Moncoutie took a stage in each of the last two editions of the Vuelta as well as the mountains classification. He also managed 8th overall in 2008 as well.

“I much prefer the Vuelta. It’s a race that suits me better, and I will be the end of my season on it.”

For July, Moncoutie is looking forward to taking a break and might even “watch a few stages on television, but [he is] not sure.”