Iban Mayo announced plans to take on this year’s Giro d’Italia as preparationfor the Tour de France.

The 29-year-old has shown promise in the past, but often left the Tourwith what he called disappointing results.Mayo made the announcement Tuesday at the presentation for hisnew Saunier Duval team, which he joined after a long career on the BasqueEuskaltel-Euskadi team.Mayo, who impressively won the grueling 8thstage of the 2003 Tour de France, has been frustrated in his effortsto make a mark on the race. Participating in three Tours, Mayo has abandonedtwice and finished the 2005 Tour in 60th place on general classification.Indeed, since his overall winat the Dauphiné Libéré in 2004, Mayo has had fewoutstanding results. Mayo won a stage at the 2006 Dauphinéand took the overall title at the Tour of Burgos.But Mayo's overall career goal has been to have a strong performanceat the Tour in July. Toward that end, the Basque rider said he will attemptto use the 2007 Giro d'Italia as preparation for his primary goal."My eye is on the Tour," Mayo said. "I’ve tried using smaller races, like the Dauphiné to get ready for July. Others have used the Giro as preparation for the Tour and I am willing to try that approach. I've been disappointed in the past, now I want to try something different."