Lotto Soudal Riders Prepare for the 109th Tour de France

The 109th Tour de France is set to begin in Denmark, with Lotto Soudal riders gearing up for the challenges that lie ahead. Caleb Ewan, the team’s sprint specialist, is eager to make up for last year’s disappointment. He explains, “Of course, I want to deliver top performances in this Tour, even more so because I couldn’t defend my chances last year. This year, I am again present and I have marked some five to six sprint chances.”

Andreas Kron, making his debut at the Tour, is excited about starting in his homeland, Denmark. Kron’s preparation was briefly impacted by a positive COVID-19 test but is confident for the race. “After some good training rides, I am ready for my first Tour de France. The focus in the first week will be on helping Caleb Ewan. In the second week, there are some nice opportunities for myself but also for Philippe Gilbert or Tim Wellens,” Kron says.

As the riders prepare for the first stages, Ewan warns about the potential challenges. “The Great Belt bridge at the end of stage two will definitely increase the stress levels in the peloton. It’s already clear that stage two and stage three won’t be straightforward sprints,” he explains. Despite missing his usual lead-out, Ewan is confident in his team’s ability to support him.

For Philippe Gilbert, this Tour de France marks his final participation. Turning 40 during the race, Gilbert is determined to make it memorable. “I want to show myself one last time at the Tour. A Grand Départ outside of France is always special,” Gilbert expresses. He also praises the start in Denmark, saying, “Copenhagen really is a big cycling city, so the ideal place for a Grand Départ.”

The 109th Tour de France promises to be an exciting one for the Lotto Soudal team, as they navigate the challenges and make their mark on the road to victory.

Images: Photo News.