team manager Joxean „Matxin“ Fernandez has confirmed his line-up for the Tour de France and has commented briefly on the ambitions of each of the nine riders selected:
Angel Gomez Marchante: „He is the rider for the future. I can imagine him wearing the white jersey in the Tour! Angel is very strong and raced an excellent Dauphiné; he even gave shivers to the favourites!“
Constantino Zaballa: „He was already very impressive in the classics. He is a rider who likes to work and has a strong fighting spirit. His goal at the Tour is a stage victory!“
Juan Manuel Garate: „The specialist in big tours, Garate is a very experienced rider who raced an amazing Giro, finishing fifth. His goal is the general classification.“
Nicolas Fritsch: „The Frenchy of the team! It’s clear that Nicolas‘ biggest goal of the season is the Tour; he trained very hard in the mountains and raced a good Dauphiné as well.“
Iñigo Cuesta: „Inigo is a perfect team-mate and will surely help Marchante win a stage! He recently won a stage of the Tour of Catalunya.“
David Cañada: „David will also hope for a stage victory. He is really strong at the time trial and could also be part of some escapes… „
Chris Horner: „Chris just came back to competition at the Tour de Suisse after a broken leg; he won the sixth stage and finished fifth on GC. He is physically and mentally at the top for the Tour.“
Leonardo Piepoli: „Leonardo is one of the best climbers in the world. He recently won a stage at the Tour of Catalunya and feels very good. Expect him to be fast in the mountains.“
Manuel Quinziato: „Manuel is a very powerful rider and feels very good at the moment. He finished sixth at the Italian time trial championships.“
Accompanying Fernandez in the team car at the Tour will be assistant directeur sportif Pietro Algeri.
