Cycling: Etixx – Quick-Step announced its line-up for the Tour de France this morning, with daily wins as the main goal. Marcel Kittel, to whom the entire team is geared at this year's Grand Boucle, should see to that. Also taking part is Tony Martin, who is supposed to show his class in the time trials.
Marcel Kittel already has ten victories under his belt this season – at the Tour de France, which starts on July 2nd (here is an overview of all information) a few more are to be added. “The team was built around Marcel Kittel. But that really shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone, because when you have someone like him on the team who has a good chance of winning the day, you should build on that." commented team boss Patrick Lefevre on the selection of the nine drivers.
The two 'Martins' – Daniel Martin and Tony Martin – will also be at the start. While the former is actually a man for the overall standings and recently also made it onto the podium at the Dauphiné, Tony Martin is of course interested in time trials, although last year he proved that he is capable of much more. "He's been working hard over the past few weeks to get in shape in time for the race and to be able to do great things while still fully fulfilling his role as a valuable helper to Marcel." the Etixx boss praises the ambition of the multiple time trial world champion.
Of course, Fabio Sabatini is also part of the game, with whom Kittel harmonizes so well in the sprint train and who made a handful of victories possible for the German this season. But not only Kittel will reach for the stage wins: With the young Frenchman Julian Alaphilippe, the team also has a strong climber with a lot of punch, who is certainly burning for a win, especially on home terrain. Lefevre wants to give the surprise winner of the Tour of California complete freedom in his tour debut: "He should just see what is possible for him - without any pressure."
The Etixx – Quick-Step squad for the 2016 Tour de France
Julian Alaphilippe (FRA)
Iljo Keisse (BEL)
Marcel Kittel (GER)
Dan Martin (GBR)
Tony Martin (GER)
Maximiliano Richeze (ITA)
Fabio Sabatini (ITA)
Petr Vakoc (CZE)
Julien Vermote (BEL)