Nibali: 'The Tour will be unbelievably exciting'

DW: Signore Nibali, have you ever felt such strong competition at the start of such a big race?

Vincenzo Nibali: The competition is really great this year: Froome, Contador, Quintana, Bardet – I think the Tour will be unbelievably exciting.

You go into the race as defending champion: Do you think you can defend your title?

My goal is to win the general classification. It won't be easy. My victory last year was important for me and I'm in good form this year too, but I will have to take it day by day. I will try but winning won't be easy.

What do you make of the first week? Wind, cobblestones, hills will make it tough.

The first week will be tough, with the time trial, the wind in the second stage and the cobblestones of stage four. I don't think there will be a moment to rest. Constant awareness during the race will prove decisive.

Everyone is talking about the four-way battle for the yellow jersey: Chris Froome, Alberto Contador, Nairo Quintana und you. Who is the strongest?

They are all big names. Froome and Quintana are very strong in the mountains, but it is difficult to say who will win.

Vincenzo Nibali, nicknamed 'The Shark of Messina' by his fans after his amusing riding style, won the 2014 Tour de France by nearly eight minutes. As is his style, the Sicilian has kept quiet ahead of the 102nd Tour de France. His Astana team nearly lost their license after five positive doping tests last year, but was allowed on the start. Nibali has not been involved in any of his own doping headlines. The 30-year-old is perhaps the most balanced rider in the top four.

This interview was conducted by Joscha Weber.