Bora-hansgrohe has announced its final squad for the upcoming Tour de France. In the most important grand tour of the year, the German formation counts on Wilco Kelderman and Peter Sagan.
A notable absentee from the selection is Pascal Ackermann. The German sprinter was supposed to make his Tour debut this year, but after a disappointing start to the season, Bora-hansgrohe has decided not to take Ackermann to the Tour. This means that Peter Sagan has to do the honors in the sprints.
Kelderman showed his good legs in the run-up to the Tour by finishing fourth in the Critérium du Dauphiné. Kelderman can count on support from Emanuel Buchmann and Patrick Konrad in the crucial mountain stages. The selection also consists Ide Schelling, Nils Politt, Daniel Oss and Lukas Pöstlberger.
“This year it was not an easy decision by any means,” said team manager Ralph Denk. “Emu became an option only last week and we also thought about bringing two sprinters with Ackermann and Sagan. Ultimately, we believed that Pascal is not at the necessary level to make a successful Tour premiere and therefore he didn’t make it into the squad.”
“Our goals are a stage win and a top five in the final GC. Of course, we also have the green jersey in our sights, but it will be a tough battle. With those goals in mind, our leaders will be Wilco for GC and Peter for the sprints and undulating stages. At his side will be Daniel Oss yet again,” said Denk.
“Regarding Emu, I have already stated that he will be free to take his chances if the moment comes, however, Patrick will also receive his own opportunities. Of course, he will be important to Wilco in the mountains. Overall, we want to ride offensively at the Tour and with Nils, Lukas and Ide we have riders who can do well on almost all terrain, yet also have the class to take a stage from a break.
“I am very happy that one of our young guns, Ide, who only turned pro with us last year, is already lining up for the Tour. He has developed really well over the last month and put himself into that position with strong results.”
