Venezuelan cyclist Jose Rujano said Thursday he will participate in the Tour of France and the Giro of Italy in 2006.

Rujano said to the local press that his participation is more than likely with the national team of Venezuela, in the World Cycling Championship of Spain, later in September of this year.

His remarks were issued at Santa Cruz de Mora, in the Andean state of Merida, during the 3rd stage of the 42nd Tour of Venezuela, organized by the western state of Lara.

Rujano was applauded by people after he won the stage in the final sprint against Dominican Julio Peralta.

The athlete, qualified as international cyclist after his third position in the Giro of Italy 2005 and won the mountain award in that race, said he signed a contract to compete in the Tour of France and the Giro of Italy next year.

Rujano will ride with team Quick Step after the culmination of a contract with Selle-Italia-Colombia, a group that was among the best in the Italian tour.

The Venezuelan cyclist said he will only participate in the first part of the Tour of Venezuela after resuming training a couple of weeks ago.

"As a matter of fact I've been training for the past 15 days, yet I've felt good and I am gaining shape in a fast way. I look forward to be in good conditions for the next competitions," said the 23-year-old cyclist.

Source: Xinhua