After placing fifth overall in the Tour de France last year Omega Pharma-Lotto have high hopes that Jurgen Van Den Broek can push for a place on the podium at this year's race.

The popular 28-year-old Belgian impressed with his attacking performance at last year's Tour and is a confident climber who will look to target the mountainous stages of the race.

Van Den Broek actually began his career as a specialist time-trialler, winning the 2001 World Junior time-trails - which will stand him in good stead to for a strong finish at Stage 20's TT in Grenoble.

But he has put himself well into contention for a podium finish this year after working tirelessly on his climbing.

"I have no fear when going uphill," says Van Den Broek of his climbing skills. "I used to think: 'oops, will I be able to go?' Now I accelerate myself, I counter if I can."

He's certainly been doing his homework on this year's climbs, staying in the Alps after his impressive fourth place at the Dauphine to check out some of the key mountain routes and work on his condition.

The Belgian heads into the Tour in good form and is one of a few that can be expected to compete with the likes of Alberto Contador and Andy Schleck in the general classification.

One obstacle that may stand in Van Den Broek's way is his team-mate, one-day race specialist Philippe Gilbert, with whom he will have to share team leadership at Omega Pharma-Lotto.

Gilbert will be targeting stage wins in the first week with his team looking to ride for him, which could hinder Van Den Broek's chances.

Despite many thinking that the Belgian has a chance of achieving at this year's Tour, it took the 28-year-old until this year to seal his first win in a pro bike race - after crossing the line first in stage 1 of the Criterium du Dauphine on the uphill finish of Saint-Pierre-de-Chartreuse.

His first crack at the Tour De France saw him finish a respectable 15th, but previous to his fifth place in the Tour last year, his best finish at any other grand tour was 8th in the 2008 Giro.

After preparing well with an impressive showing at Dauphine, Van Den Broek has a real chance of giving his fans hope for a first Belgian podium finish at the race since Lucien Van Impe's second place in 1981.

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