RadioShack's manager Johan Bruyneel was impressed with new recruit Tiago Machado's performance at this weekend's Critérium International, but doesn't see him as being a part of the Tour de France team this year. The promising young Portuguese rider leapt away on the final climb yesterday's stage with winner Pierrick Fedrigo, and held on for second place. He then stayed out of trouble in this morning's short road stage and finished the final time trial in tenth place, enough to take third overall.
"I saw nice things from him last year, he has great qualities," Bruyneel told Reuters on Sunday.
The 24-year-old was strong over the weekend and also showed good form last month. Machado finished second behind Alberto Contador (Astana) on the mountainous stage three of the Volta ao Algarve, and finished sixth in the time trial two days later to secure third overall in his home Tour.
Despite his solid results, Bryneel says he still has to develop further in order to take part in the worlds biggest bike race, the Tour de France.
"He is discovering what real professional cycling is about this season. He can be impressive but he still has a lot to learn."
The Belgian has an arsenal of talent to choose from for this July's big event, and doesn't see Machado as an option to help team leader Lance Armstrong attempt to win his eighth Tour de France crown.
"No, it's impossible [that Machado will ride the Tour]," Bruyneel said. "He still has too much to learn. He still does not really know how to place himself in the bunch, he takes too much wind."