Fabian Cancellara may be about to start his final Tour de France, but the 35-year-old insists it will not be a farewell three-week ride.

The Trek – Segafredo rider announced his retirement plans at the start of 2016, meaning this year's Tour will be his 11th and last.

However, he has no intention of taking it easy and hopes to push for an eighth stage win at cycling's leading event.

"It's not a farewell race, I'm looking for results, so it's business as usual. It's nothing special," he said.

"It's going to be hectic. We have no prologue, but instead a different opening. But when we see where we are, with the weather, you never know what is coming."

The veteran Swiss had a race to forget 12 months ago as he was caught up in a huge pile up on stage three – while wearing the yellow jersey – that forced his abandonment.

He suffered two fractures in his lower back in that crash and was unable to make it to Paris, something he hopes to put right this time around.

"I'm relaxed and I'm looking forward to next few months," he added. "I just hope to stay healthy, to enjoy some nice things again, but also not to finish on the ground again. 

"I hope that doesn't happen this year, I want to enjoy the race."