ProTeam Intermarché-Lotto has several cards to play in the Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
# Intermarché-Lotto Gears Up for Challenging Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Intermarché-Lotto is set to make its mark in the upcoming Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, returning to the French roads with a lineup brimming with potential. The team will don its distinctive reversed jersey next week as they prepare to tackle the demanding stages ahead.
Returning from altitude training, Georg Zimmermann is fresh off a victory in Frankfurt earlier this month. Meanwhile, Lars Craps continues his journey back to form following knee surgery, and Vito Braet aims to capitalize on a busy May. “It will be an open race for us,” remarks sports director Mario Aerts. “We have no general classification ambitions, so we need to hope for a sprint, a successful breakaway, or a mountain stage where we can try something.”
The terrain in the Dauphiné promises to be challenging, especially with stage one featuring over 3,000 meters of climbing packed into just 146 kilometers. This stage will likely cater to riders targeting general classification. Although notable cyclists such as Jonas Vingegaard and Tadej Pogačar will not compete this year, the peloton is still filled with riders in top condition, all looking to prepare for the Tour de France or secure a place in their respective teams. Paul Seixas and Isaac Del Toro are also set to compete, ensuring a high-level race overall.
Aerts also sees potential for the team’s sprinters, despite their smaller numbers. “I see our best chances in stage five. Stage four could also end in a sprint, but we’ll need a bit of luck. We have Vito Braet and Mathieu Kockelmann with us, and I hope they get at least one opportunity to sprint for a result. But a lot depends on how the race unfolds. There is also a strong possibility that an early breakaway survives, and in that case, we can rely on Baptiste Veistroffer. Zimmermann and Craps can hold their own in the mountain stages. Everyone can get their chance, and it’s up to us to make the race.”
As the team prepares for the challenges ahead, all eyes will be on Intermarché-Lotto to see how they capitalize on the diverse opportunities presented in the Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes.
