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Winning the Giro d'Italia has made Denis Menchov a Tour de France title favourite but the Russian is cautious, hoping he is ready for the grinding three weeks ahead.

"I hope I have fully recovered from the Giro," he said. "I'm on form, I'm confident, but we'll really have to wait and see.

"I feel I'm among the four or five riders who can win the Tour. Every time I start a big Tour, I'm confident I can win it."

Menchov, 31, also won the Spanish Vuelta twice in 2005 and 2007, but the Tour remains a final goal for the Rabobank team leader, who finished fourth last year and faces tougher opposition than in the other three-week races.

With Lance Arsmtrong the talk of the principality before Saturday's first stage on the roads of the Monaco Grand Prix, Menchov believes the American would be a serious contender.

"I can tell you that Lance will be ready and one of the riders to watch in this Tour," he warned.

Menchov beat some of his Tour rivals in Italy, including holder Carlos Sastre of Spain and Armstrong, who finished 12th, although it remains to be seen whether the ageing Russian would be able to maintain the same form a month later.

However, he can rely on a stronger team than last year. Robert Gesink, seen as the brightest Dutch cycling hope, is taking part in his first tour and will be a big help in the mountains.

"Denis is our undisputed team leader. He deserves it. This is my first Tour and it's like a big circus for me, but I hope to be with Denis in the climbs," the 23-year-old rider said.

Spain's Juan-Manuel Garate will be another solid ally for Menchov in the mountains while experienced Juan Antonio Flecha, Dutchman Joost Posthuma or triple world champion Oscar Freire can keep an eye on their leader in the flat stages.

Freire will go for the points classification again after winning the green jersey last season.

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Reuters