Tour de France Preview: 7 Germans, 6 Austrians & 2 Swiss

Cycling: The Tour de France is the highlight of every road cycling season. All professionals want to be there. This time seven drivers from Germany made it, six from Austria and two from Switzerland. We take a closer look at the situations of the German-speaking drivers and wonder what tasks they will probably receive from their team bosses.

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Bora – hansgrohe provides four German speakers

The only German WorldTour team is also the only team at the Tour de France with a German license. But for Bora-hansgrohe, this edition will revolve entirely around an Australian: Jai Hindley. The team from Raubling will do everything in its power to get Hindley onto the podium. And he has earned this trust, having won the Giro d'Italia last season. He is surrounded by numerous top-class support riders, including two Austrians and two Germans. While Marco Haller and Nils Politt will primarily be there for Hindley and sprinter Jordi Meeus on the flats, Patrick Konrad and Emanuel Buchmann will provide support in the mountains. And all of them are capable of going for a stage win themselves if given a clear path. However, if Hindley is in good form, they will have to put their own ambitions aside.

With a free role: chances of stage wins?

We are particularly excited to see Simon Geschke (Cofidis) again this year . The Berlin native fought for the King of the Mountains jersey at last year's Tour de France and wore it longer than any German rider before him. It's quite possible he'll want to keep the jersey all the way to Paris this year. If his team gives him the necessary freedom, he'll certainly take advantage of it. The same applies to Georg Zimmermann (Intermarché – Circus – Wanty), who will definitely be seen in breakaways in the mountains and has made significant progress this year. The same is true for Austrian Felix Gall (AG2R – Citroën). At the Tour de Suisse, he impressed – apart from the time trial – as a strong climber and GC contender. Perhaps he'll even form a dual lead with Ben O'Connor. This Tour de France route is less suitable for Swiss rider Stefan Küng (Groupama – FDJ). The only time trial of this race will likely be too difficult for him. Phil Bauhaus (Bahrain – Victorious) can count on the support of his teammate Nikias Arndt (Bahrain – Victorious) in the sprint and hope for a victory in the mass sprint.

Loyal helpers from Austria, Germany and Switzerland

The Spanish team Movistar aims to challenge Enric Mas for the overall victory. One of his key helpers is the Austrian Gregor Mühlberger (Movistar), who excels in the hilly terrain. We'll certainly see him in a breakaway once or twice. His compatriot Felix Großschartner (UAE) will likely have less freedom, as he's riding alongside Tour favorite Tadej Pogacar. Michael Gogl (Alpecin – Deceuninck), on the other hand, could have an opportunity in breakaways if the terrain becomes more undulating. If it remains flat, he, like his Swiss teammate Silvan Dillier (Alpecin – Deceuninck), will have to work hard for sprinter Jasper Philipsen. At 34, John Degenkolb (DSM – Firmenich) probably won't be involved in a bunch sprint himself. However, he's all the more valuable as an extension of the team's sports directors. He can also be invaluable in a sprint approach. With Sam Welsford, the team has nominated a fast rider who could deliver a surprising stage win.