Team Jumbo-Visma Confident and Ambitious for the Challenging Basque Grand Depart
Team Jumbo-Visma is full of ambition and confidence as they prepare for the start of the Tour de France in the Basque city of Bilbao. The first week of the race will be challenging, with many altitude meters and unpredictable outcomes.
Star rider Wout van Aert is excited about the tricky opening stages in the Basque country, saying, “I like this start. Anything can happen on the first day.” Van Aert, who feels at home in the classics, is aiming to win the opening stage and wear the yellow jersey.
After their success last year, Team Jumbo-Visma has high expectations for this year’s Tour de France. Danish rider Jonas Vingegaard, who aims to help his team defend their title, says, “As the defending champions, we are among the favorites to win the Tour de France.” Vingegaard believes that the second and third weeks will be crucial and feels well-prepared for the tough race.
The 2023 edition of the Tour de France will feature a record seventy climbs, making it difficult to predict where the focus will be. However, Team Jumbo-Visma remains focused on their goals. Van Aert emphasizes, “Of course, I want to win stages,” while Vingegaard says, “We know our capabilities and know what it takes to win the Tour.”
The team’s strong roster also includes riders Tiesj Benoot, Nathan van Hooydonck, Wilco Kelderman, Dylan van Baarle, and Sepp Kuss, adding to their confidence for a good result.
While Vingegaard recognizes the capabilities of his rivals, he refrains from picking favorites. “In my opinion, quite a few riders are capable of competing for the overall victory,” he says. He remains focused on his own development as an athlete and looks forward to seeing who will wear the yellow jersey in three weeks.
With their ambition, confidence, and strong team, Team Jumbo-Visma is ready to tackle the challenging Basque Grand Depart and pursue victory in the Tour de France.
