Not only that will start in a few days with Paris-Nice race to the sun, but also the season for the tour drivers. BMC is sending a strong contingent to France. As the team announced today, the American Tejay van Garderen will take on the role of captain. He is supported in this by the winner of the Tour Méditerranéen, Stephen Cummings, and Taylor Phinney, who won the Dubai Tour.
Van Garderen finished second in his first tour of the season, the Tour of Oman, a few days ago. “My fitness is good – better than last year – because I have race kilometers in Oman. The route is nice, but unfortunately there is no time trial and no mountain finish where you could have fought for valuable bonus seconds. Nevertheless, it remains my goal to drive for the overall standings. It will be difficult to win, but we want to finish as far up the field as possible. We are starting with a strong, motivated team and have many options.”
Completing the squad are Thor Hushovd, Amaël Moinard, Peter Stetina, Greg Van Avermaet and Peter Velits. BMC sporting director Yvon Ledanois said every rider gets a chance to ride for stage wins while supporting van Garderen. “I spoke to every driver this week. The motivation to work for Tejay is great”, he said. "Paris-Nice is an important goal for everyone."