Cycling: The teams have announced their starters for the 2020 Tour de France. In this article we take a closer look at all Germans, Austrians and Swiss. What tasks do they have to do and what goals are they allowed to pursue?
Germany: Only Buchmann is captain
The starts with 12 Germans Tour de France 2020 on Saturday in Nice. If the focus is on the sprinters at the start, we hardly have a chance of winning the day despite 6 fast professionals. Because during the best of times André Greipel are probably over, the other German sprinters only find themselves in a helper role. Jonah Koch may support Matteo Trentin. John Degenkolb and Roger Kluge driving for Caleb Ewan. Max Walscheid will have to bow to the new European champion Giacomo Nizzolo. And Nickias Arndt will probably be parked for Cees Bol. It looks much rosier for the drivers from Germany when the profile becomes a little more demanding. Then, among other things, may Simon Geschke and Nils Politt exercise their freedoms. Even if Tony Martin also has his strengths here, he will probably have to be there for his leaders with all his experience over 21 stages. In the mountains we will definitely be on one or the other stage Lennard Kamna and Maximilian schachmann see in an escape group. Even if it is clear that they are primarily used as helpers for Emmanuel Buchman have to work. He is the only German to be regarded as the clear captain of his team.
Austria: Helpers with freedoms
The Austrians are also sending fewer riders with realistic chances of winning to the starting line of the 2020 Tour de France. However, it is not completely out of the question that we will see them in breakaway groups and then they will automatically be able to compete for a stage win. With three men, the Bora – hansgrohe team is mainly focused on Austria. Felix Grossschartner and Gregor Muehlberger Emanuel Buchmann will stand by his side in the mountains. If he gives the go, they can be used as a relay station on difficult stages or even try their luck themselves. Lukas Postlberger has his strengths on the flats and will have to sacrifice himself for Peter Sagan. A similar task arises for Sonny Colbrelli Mark Haller . Michael Gogl will serve Giacomo Nizzolo in preparing for the sprint and chasing breakaways. If it becomes too difficult for the Italian European champion, the Austrian may be able to reinforce a breakaway group.
Switzerland: Hirschi can and may
Little Switzerland has always been a cycling nation. For the size of this country, you get a surprising number of top drivers on the road. Stefan Kung will unfortunately only be able to present his qualities to a limited extent. Because the new European time trial champion cannot look forward to a single fight against the clock on the flat. The only time trial is a classic mountain time trial and will not be for the Swiss. Instead, he can be described as a noble helper for Thibaut Pinot on flat terrain. If it gets mountainous, the Swiss champion stands Sebastian Reichenbach to the side of the French classification driver. Michael Schar is considered one of the most trusted helpers in the entire peloton. His teammates Greg van Avermaet and Matteo Trentin are particularly happy about this. If they have a chance of winning the stage, they wind up the Swiss clockwork and let it do its work. wants to be let off the leash Marc Hirsch. The 22-year-old, who has been around for a few days, is considered one of the greatest talents on hilly terrain. Since there is no clear leader in his team, we will definitely see him in action.