Millar Looks Beyond the Vuelta

Fresh from his unexpected stage win in the Tour de France, David Millar will start the Tour of Spain today, in the northern city of Gijon, seeking to repeat his feat of 2001, when he won two stages. This year, however, the 26-year-old Scot also has his eyes on the longer term, writes William Fotheringham .

"To be perfectly honest I'm focusing on the world championships for my peak," he said, mindful that in 2001, after a strong Vuelta, he came close to winning the world time-trial title. "My preparation for the Vuelta hasn't been as intense as last year. There are three time-trials so I'm aiming to win at least one, and I also want a road stage."

He will have his first chance on Thursday, in a 27-mile individual time-trial in Saragossa. With most top riders ending their seasons early, there should be a three-way Spanish fight between the last three winners, Aitor Gonzalez, Angel Casero and Roberto Heras. The world champion Mario Cipollini rides only after the organisers threatened to refuse his team entry if he did not turn up.